OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

I am honoured to have received the GHP Mental Health Award (global health and pharmacology) for “Most Recognised and Respected Psychologist in OCD – 2025.” This award reflects my ongoing commitment to delivering evidence-based, compassionate care to individuals living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and recognises the positive impact of my work over the past three decades across the NHS, private, and voluntary sectors.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing distress or preventing a feared outcome. OCD affects millions of people worldwide, yet many struggle silently due to a lack of understanding or proper treatment. Seeking help from a professional psychologist, especially one experienced in OCD treatment, is essential for managing and overcoming this condition.

Types of OCD

OCD manifests in different ways, with the specific obsessions and compulsions varying from person to person. Some of the most common types include:

• Contamination OCD: Fear of germs, dirt, or illness. Compulsions typically involve excessive cleaning or avoiding perceived sources of contamination.
• Harm OCD: Intrusive thoughts about causing harm to oneself or others, often accompanied by compulsions such as checking or avoiding certain objects or situations to prevent harm.
• Symmetry/Order OCD: Obsessions about things needing to be symmetrical or in a specific order. Compulsions include arranging or aligning objects until they feel “just right.”
• Checking OCD: Fear of leaving something undone or unsafe, leading to repetitive checking of locks, appliances, or other tasks.
• Pure O (Purely Obsessional) OCD: In this subtype, individuals experience distressing thoughts without overt compulsions. However, mental compulsions like rumination or seeking reassurance may be present.
• Sexual or Religious (Scrupulosity) OCD: Involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts related to morality, religion, or sexual behavior, often leading to rituals of prayer, confession, or avoidance.

Why Seeing a Professional Psychologist Is Crucial

OCD is a complex and often misunderstood condition that requires specialized care. Attempting to manage it alone can lead to increased anxiety, avoidance behaviors, and a worsening of symptoms. Professional psychologists trained in OCD treatment provide a safe, non-judgmental environment to explore your symptoms and identify the underlying patterns of obsessions and compulsions.

A psychologist can also provide a comprehensive assessment to determine whether OCD is present and rule out other potential causes of distress. Importantly, they can tailor a treatment plan based on your specific needs and symptoms, offering evidence-based strategies that are proven to help.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): The Gold Standard for OCD Treatment one of the most effective treatments for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ERP works by gradually exposing you to feared thoughts, images, or situations that trigger your obsessions, while helping you refrain from engaging in compulsive behaviors.

Over time, ERP helps you learn that your feared outcomes are unlikely to occur, or that the anxiety associated with the thoughts will naturally decrease on its own. This process reduces the power of OCD and increases your ability to live freely without being controlled by obsessive thoughts and compulsions.

ERP is highly effective when delivered by a trained psychologist and is considered the first-line treatment for most forms of OCD. The goal is not to eliminate all anxiety or distressing thoughts, but rather to teach you healthier ways to respond to them.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Left untreated, OCD can become debilitating, interfering with relationships, work, and daily life. However, with early intervention and the right treatment, individuals with OCD can experience significant relief and lead fulfilling lives. Seeing a professional psychologist ensures you get the support you need to understand your condition, develop effective coping strategies, and ultimately regain control.

If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, don’t wait—reach out. Getting the right help can make all the difference in your journey to wellness.

Feel free to contact me for more information or to schedule an appointment.