Obsessive compulsive disorder where to get help

Obsessions may include worrying about harming the baby or not sterilising feeding bottles properly. Compulsions could be things such as repeatedly checking the baby is breathing. People with OCD are often reluctant to seek help because they feel ashamed or embarrassed.

OCD is a health condition like any other, so there's nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. Having OCD does not mean you're "mad" and it's not your fault you have it. You can also find mental health apps and tools in the NHS apps library. If you think a friend or family member may have OCD, try talking to them about your concerns and suggest they get help. It's unlikely OCD will get better without proper treatment and support. There are some effective treatments for OCD that can help reduce the impact it has on your life.

CBT will usually have an effect quite quickly. It can take several months before you notice the effects of treatment with SSRIs, but most people will eventually benefit. Some people may be referred to a specialist mental health service for further treatment. Common vocal tics include repetitive throat-clearing, sniffing, or grunting sounds. It is common for people with OCD also to have a diagnosed mood disorder or anxiety disorder. Symptoms of OCD may come and go, ease over time, or worsen.

People with OCD may try to help themselves by avoiding situations that trigger their obsessions, or they may use alcohol or drugs to calm themselves. Parents or teachers typically recognize OCD symptoms in children.

If you think you or your child may have OCD, talk to a health care provider about the possible symptoms. If left untreated, OCD can interfere in all aspects of life. Genetics is one factor associated with OCD. Studies have shown that having a first-degree relative parent, sibling, or child with OCD is associated with an increased chance of developing the disorder. Scientists have not identified any one gene or set of genes that definitively lead to OCD, but studies exploring the connection between genetics and OCD are ongoing.

In addition to genetics, other biological factors may play a role. Brain imaging studies have shown that people with OCD often have differences in the frontal cortex and subcortical structures of the brain, areas of the brain that underlie the ability to control behavior and emotional responses.

Researchers also have found that several brain areas, brain networks, and biological processes play a key role in obsessive thoughts, compulsive behavior, and associated fear and anxiety. Research is underway to better understand the connection between OCD symptoms and parts of the brain. Some studies have reported an association between childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

More research is needed to understand this relationship. The first step is to talk with your health care provider about your symptoms. Asking questions and providing information to your health care provider can improve your care.

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask you about your health history to make sure that your symptoms are not caused by other illnesses or conditions.

Your health care provider may refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or counselor, for further evaluation or treatment. Treatment for OCD typically includes specific types of psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy , medication, or a combination of the two. A mental health professional can talk about the benefits and risks associated with different treatment options and help identify the best treatment for you.

Sometimes people with OCD also have other mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder, a disorder in which someone mistakenly believes that a part of their body is abnormal. It is important to consider these other disorders when making decisions about treatment. It is important to follow your treatment plan because both psychotherapy and medication can take some time to work.

Although there is no cure for OCD, current treatments help many people with the disorder manage their symptoms, engage in day-to-day activities, and lead full, active lives. Psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for adults and children with OCD. Research shows that certain types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy CBT and other related therapies such as habit reversal training , can be as effective as medication for many people.

For others, psychotherapy may be most effective when used in combination with medication. Research shows that a specific type of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention ERP is effective for reducing compulsive behaviors, even for people who did not respond well to medication. With ERP, people spend time in a situation that triggers their compulsion such as touching dirty objects and they are prevented from engaging in their typical compulsion such as handwashing.

Although this approach may cause feelings of anxiety at first, compulsions decrease for most people as they continue treatment.

Children with OCD may need additional help from family members and health care providers when it comes to recognizing and managing their OCD symptoms. Mental health professionals can work with young patients to identify strategies for managing stress and increasing support so that the children are able to manage their OCD symptoms at school and at home.

The education includes information that helps to expose myths about the causes of OCD. Part of the therapy involves gradually exposing the person to situations that trigger their obsessions and, at the same time, helping them to reduce their compulsions and avoidance behaviours. This process is gradual and usually begins with less feared situations. The exposure tasks and prevention of compulsions are repeated daily and consistently until anxiety decreases. Over time, this allows the person to rebuild trust in their capacity to manage and function, even with anxiety.

This process is known as exposure and response prevention ERP. Cognitive behaviour therapy should be undertaken with a skilled, specialist mental health professional. Over-use of alcohol, drugs and some medications may interfere with the success of this type of treatment.

Anxiety management techniques can help a person to manage their own symptoms. Such techniques can include relaxation training, slow breathing techniques , mindfulness meditation and hyperventilation control.

These techniques require regular practice and are most effective if used together with a cognitive behaviour therapy treatment program. Support groups allow people with OCD and their families to meet in comfort and safety, and give and receive support. The groups also provide the opportunity to learn more about the disorder and to develop social networks. Some medications, especially antidepressants that affect the serotonin system, have been found to reduce the symptoms of OCD.

This medication can only be prescribed by a medical practitioner. Side effects of antidepressants may include nausea, headaches, dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness and tiredness. These effects often decline after the first few weeks of treatment. If your side effects are severe or last for a long time, you should discuss this with your doctor. It usually takes several weeks for medication to deliver any effects. When reducing or stopping medication, the dose should be reduced slowly under medical supervision.

Assessment and treatment in hospital can be helpful for some people, particularly when symptoms are severe. A stay in hospital may last from several days to a few weeks. There are many ways that you can help yourself in addition to seeking therapy. Some suggestions are:. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:.

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Antipsychotic medications work by altering brain chemistry to help reduce psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking. You can help your child overcome anxiety by taking their fears seriously and encouraging them to talk about their feelings. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

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