Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
It is thought that 2-3% of people in the UK suffer with some form of OCD. Some manage the condition on their own, finding ways of coping and negotiating their peculiar habits without drawing too much attention to themselves. Others suffer badly with the condition, and it affects their lives both personally and socially. At its worst the individual can become completely debilitated by it, even housebound, and this could lead to suicide or self-harm.
We’ve all left home worrying that we may have left the oven on, or the front door unlocked; or we avoid a certain unlucky number. It is normal to experience doubts and worries at times, or to harbour certain superstitious beliefs. However, for individuals with OCD these symptoms become so excessive that they control daily behaviour.
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What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition, classified as an anxiety disorder, that is typified by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions).
OCD is a chronic condition where individuals are trapped in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions:
→ Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. Common obsessions include fear of contamination and germs, fear of harming oneself or others, and excessive concern with order or symmetry.
→ Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. These actions are meant to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions but often provide only temporary relief. Common compulsions include excessive cleaning, checking, counting, and arranging items in a specific way.
Many people will endure the occasional intrusive thought or engage in some repetitive behaviours, but with OCD they are persistent and significantly interfere with normal functioning.
The impact of OCD can be profound, affecting various aspects of a person’s life:
→ Emotional distress: The constant cycle of obsessions and compulsions can lead to significant emotional distress. Individuals often feel ashamed or embarrassed about their symptoms, which can exacerbate anxiety and depression.
→ Impaired functioning: OCD can interfere with daily activities, work, and relationships. The time-consuming nature of compulsions can make it difficult to maintain productivity and fulfil personal responsibilities.
→ Social isolation: The stigma associated with OCD can lead to social withdrawal. Individuals may avoid situations that trigger their symptoms or feel uncomfortable disclosing their condition to others.
→ Financial strain: Impaired work performance or inability to work can lead to financial difficulties.
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, consider reaching out to one of our team of experts for support and guidance. Help is available, and recovery is possible.
Residential treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
When OCD symptoms are severe and significantly impair daily functioning, residential treatment may be the best option. With the right care, individuals can break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions and achieve long-term recovery.
Ibiza Calm is a specialised mental health treatment clinic that offers a structured and supportive environment. The clinic provides the intensive care necessary for those with severe OCD, offering a combination of evidence-based therapies, medication management, and holistic approaches.
The Ibiza Calm team comprises experienced healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and therapists, who work together to provide the highest level of care and support to each patient.
Key components of residential treatment at Ibiza Calm include:
Individualised treatment plans: Each person’s experience with OCD is unique, so all our treatment plans are tailored to address specific needs and goals. A personalised approach enhances the effectiveness of therapy.
One-to-one and group therapy: These sessions provide a safe space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and receive support from peers who understand their experiences.
Medical management: For some individuals, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to help reduce OCD symptoms. Our residential treatment centre gives you access to the best health care, including psychiatrists who can prescribe and monitor medications to ensure they are effective and well-tolerated.
Supportive community: Being surrounded by peers who understand and share similar struggles creates a sense of belonging and support. Group therapy sessions provide opportunities to learn from others, share experiences, and build social skills.
Holistic approaches: We incorporate holistic methods such as art therapy, music therapy, physical exercise and nutrition guidance, promote overall well-being and stress management.
Family therapy: Family therapy can be an essential component of treatment, helping family members understand OCD and learn how to support their loved one’s recovery. All our treatment programmes include a family support group. Any family members can attend, weekly online, from the moment their loved one enters the treatment clinic.
Aftercare planning: Successful residential treatment includes preparing for life after discharge. This involves developing coping strategies and relapse prevention plans, as well as access to support groups. Clients are introduced to the aftercare therapy group before leaving treatment, ensuring they are confident of ongoing, continued support.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
OCD involves behaviour, or compulsions, as a reaction to a set of obsessive thoughts that are continuous, repetitive, anxious, time-consuming, and often, in reality, completely out of proportion. In other words, you keep thinking you must take an action, according to a certain rule, or else something bad will happen.
The compulsions are ritualistic and repetitive actions – far worse than everyday rituals or habits – that temporarily relieve the obsessive thought. For example, checking door handles several times in order to prevent an accident from happening to a loved one. Or counting an exact number of steps before getting in the car. A common form is an anxiety about illness and germs, and the sufferer will repeatedly wash their hands and clean themselves and their surroundings.
This need to ‘act’ on the thought and obey certain rules is powerful and convincing. It usually alleviates the anxiety for a short time, but the obsessive thought will return and gradually get worse. The condition frequently develops in childhood and gets progressively worse in teenagers.
Some commonly occurring thoughts/obsessions include –
Germs and hygiene.
Order and precision.
Violent or catastrophic acts.
Fear of losing physical or vocal control.
Religious obsession.
Unwanted sexual thoughts.
Fear of harming oneself or others.
Superstitions and rituals.
Some frequently engaged in compulsions are –
Washing hands repeatedly.
Excessive showering or personal hygiene routines.
Intense and constant household cleaning.
Fixation on order and placement of objects.
Checking, repeating, and duplicating routine tasks
Recurring body movements such as tapping or blinking.
Hoarding – newspapers, empty bottles.
Common conditions that closely resemble OCD are tic disorders – for example, a vocal tic disorder such as snorting. Tic disorders are involuntary behaviours in response to a feeling of discomfort. It’s much more common for OCD and tic disorders to occur together when the conditions begin in childhood. Many OCD sufferers also have depression, and some have accompanying food disorders.
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