Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Facts And Myths

The Facts

1. YOU ARE NOT MAD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a psychological condition, characterized by high anxiety. Symptoms can include washing, checking, 'ruminating', ordering, hoarding, fears of harm and 'body dysmorphic disorder'. These can consume a lot of time. They can also affect family relationships, work and social life.

While the cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder has not been scientifically established yet, it is probably a chemical imbalance in the brain. The symptoms are nothing to do with the individual's basic personality, and it does not seem likely that they are caused by childhood experience.

People with OCD are usually aware that their compulsions and obsessions are irrational. They simply cannot find a way of stopping without help. Perceptions of reality are usually not distorted in other ways.


2. YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Many people have symptoms of OCD. It possibly affects as many as one in thirty of the adult population. People who suffer from OCD are often very surprised to learn that there are other people who do exactly the same things.


3. YOU CAN GET SUPPORT

OCD has been recognised for many years. During that time, a number of effective responses have been identified. These include:

Medication - particularly the Prozac family (SSRIs) and an older anti-depressant called Clomipramine

Cognitive-behavioural therapy - usually done with a psychologist, this involves the individual learning strategies for mastering their symptoms

Social support - one good way of finding this is to join a self-help group

Information - there are many useful books and leaflets available

Self-help - for some people, particularly those whose symptoms are quite mild, this can be effective


4. YOU CAN GET BETTER

In most cases, cognitive-behavioural therapy is the best treatment. Medication is also effective for many people. It can reduce symptoms by thirty to sixty per cent. A combination of medication and behavioural therapy is often recommended. The majority of people with OCD can master their symptoms with appropriate support and live a normal life.


The Myths


1. I CAN'T TELL ANYONE

Many people recognise that their obsessional thoughts and compulsive behaviours are odd, and feel so embarrassed about their symptoms that they keep them to themselves. If they don't talk to anyone, they can never get support.
It is often helpful to realise that this sort of embarrassment is very common with OCD. Sometimes it is easier to talk to a close friend or family member, or to talk in confidence to an adviser on the telephone before talking to a doctor.


2. I CAN'T TELL THE DOCTOR

People with OCD are often nervous about describing their symptoms to a doctor. They think that they will be wasting the doctor's time, or that the doctor will think they are mad.

In the last few years, doctors have become much more aware of OCD. GPs are much better at recognising the symptoms, and can often treat mild cases of OCD themselves.
GPs are also the first point of contact if you want to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist on the National Health.

If you are nervous about talking to a doctor, speaking to fellow-sufferers in support groups or to a confidential adviser on the telephone first is often helpful.


3. I DON'T NEED HELP

People with OCD sometimes imagine that there is something wrong with them if they can't master their symptoms on their own. This isn't true. Almost everybody with OCD copes better if they can get support at the right time.


4. I CAN'T GET HELP

OCD is a recognised condition, and the effective forms of treatment are well known. While there may be waiting lists, everybody who needs treatment should be able to get it on the NHS.

If you have a problem finding support in your area, it may be worth telephoning a group like Obsessive Action to discuss the problem.


5. I WILL NEVER GET BETTER

People with OCD quite often get depressed, and become pessimistic about their chances of recovery. It is important to remember that people who get the right kind of support usually make significant improvements. Individuals with OCD can have normal, satisfying lives.