Anxiety, phobias and obsession

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessions are recurrent thoughts that are distressing and disturbing and intrude forcibly against conscious resistance. The person experiencing them usually realises that they are irrational, but finds that fighting them only increases the anxiety.

What causes OCD?
We all have mild obsessions. You may feel a need to check that you have locked the front door, posted an important letter properly or feel you need to count a certain number of times before a particular event. The difference between this normal behaviour and that of someone with OCD is one of degree: the intensity and distress of the intrusive thoughts, the difficulty of stopping them, the frequency with which they occur, the duration of the symptoms, and how they effect the functioning of the individual.

How is OCD treated?
OCD affects two or three people in 100 at some time in their life. It is more or less equally shared between men and women. Two thirds of cases improve or are cured within a year. Those that have not cleared up during this time may continue for many years, but with lengthy remissions. The disorder may go into remission, almost irrespective of treatment. Behavioural treatment can substantially improve compulsive rituals but are not so effective in controlling obsessional ruminations.

Self-help in anxiety disorders

It is important to realise that all therapies take some time to work and require patience and persistence.

Accept that anxiety, phobias, panic attacks or obsessions are not signs that you are going mad or losing control.

Enlist the support of a spouse or relative in therapy and try to discuss your fears in a constructive way.

Relatives can help by showing you that they understand the fears and obsessions, no matter how bizarre or unreasonable they may appear. Talking to a professional may be positive in this regard.

For more information about anxiety, phobias and obsession visit
www.sane.org.uk

For further help contact
SANELINE