Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Do You...

Wash your hands repeatedly?
Spend a large amount of time constantly checking things?
Feel that you have to do things in a specific order?
Repeatedly count things up to a certain number?
Have repetitive thoughts you find upsetting?
Avoid certain situations because you fear you may do something bad?

Your symptoms may take up a lot of your time and attention and cause you (and perhaps others around you) to feel stressed and unhappy. These symptoms can also limit what you can do in your life.

How common is it? →

In a study conducted by the Institute of Mental Health in 2016, OCD was among the top 3 mental health disorders in Singapore, with around 1 in 27 people struggling with the condition (SMHS, 2016).

What can I do about it? →

Depending on your circumstances, you may benefit from psychological therapy or medication or a combination of both.

Medication

One of the ways to treat OCD symptoms is through medication. A common class of drugs called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which are prescribed for OCD, work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. This helps reduce OCD symptoms. Medication may be prescribed or recommended at the clinical judgment of the healthcare professional.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective types of treatment for OCD. Generally, CBT helps you identify unhelpful and unrealistic beliefs and behavioural patterns. You and your therapist can work together to change your behaviour and replace unhelpful beliefs with more realistic and balanced ones. CBT also teaches you new skills and equips you to respond more positively to situations that would normally cause you anxiety.

How can I help myself? →

To complement the treatment for OCD, you can implement the following strategies to help cope with your OCD symptoms.

1.Understand how OCD works. You can refer to this onlineself-help guide on understanding and managing OCD.
2.Build a strong support system. Many people may find it difficult to talk about their condition as they are worried that others may not understand what they are going through. However, strengthening relationships may help you feel less lonely and be able to cope better. You may choose to speak to someone you trust about your OCD. Alternatively, you can share with them useful information about OCD and how they can support you.
3.Manage your stress. As stress and anxiety can worsen OCD, managing your stress levels is important. This can be done by looking after your physical health. Having a regular diet, getting enough sleep and engaging in physical activities regularly can help boost mental wellbeing. Relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises can also help with managing your stress levels.

Here are some recommended books on OCD:

Break free from OCD by Challacombe, Bream-Oldfield, Salkovskis
The Beating OCD Workbook by Fitzgerald
Overcoming Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Veale & Willson
Pulling the trigger – OCD, Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Related Depression by Shaw & Callaghan
Brain Lock by Schwartz

Acknowledgement of references →