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SPECIALIST PRIVATE TREATMENT FOR OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER IN LONDON

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

It's common for us all to wash our hands, keep our house tidy and clean, and close the door behind us as we leave a room. But if you find yourself with an overwhelming need to complete these and other similar tasks repeatedly then you may be experiencing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (frequently referred to as OCD and formerly known as Obsessive Neurosis).

Our specialists at Schoen Clinic have been successfully treating a variety of anxiety and mood disorders for many years. We have the expertise and understanding to support you in your recovery from OCD.

Start your treatment journey today. For fast access to specialised private mental health treatment in London at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, you can use your health insurance or simply fund your own treatment. Call our caring team direct on +44 20 4571 6312 or email us today.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a form of anxiety disorder involving the experience of obsessions, leading to compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted repeated and intrusive thoughts, urges, or worries that cause distress. The presence of these obsessions leads to compulsions, which are repeated actions or activities carried out with the aim of reducing the anxiety caused by the obsessions.

OCD can have an extreme effect on your life. Without treatment, you can be left feeling alone, distressed and overpowered by your obsessions and compulsions. It may be that the frequency and repetitive nature of your OCD interferes with you carrying out simple tasks.

With over 35 years of experience in treating mental health problems internationally, we are considered one of the best mental health clinics in the UK, regularly supporting patients to overcome OCD. When obsessive compulsive disorder is affecting your life to the extent its constant intrusion leaves you reaching out for help, we're here for you. Our specialised treatment and therapy day programme at Schoen Clinic Chelsea is designed to improve your insights into your feelings of anxiety and help you build skills to reduce and eliminate them.

How does Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder develop?

There are many ways in which an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can develop to the point you feel anxious and low in mood. Perhaps you feel that something bad is going to happen unless you count to a certain number. You may seek reassurance from your friends, family or partner multiple times during the day to check that simple things you are doing are ‘OK’. Some of these behaviours do not impact your life too greatly although they cause you some distress.

However, if your need to repeat a number out loud repeatedly starts to affect your ability to concentrate or get to work, or if your persistent need for assurance over issues that other people might find trivial harms your relationships with others, you may have an OCD. If this stops you from doing things, it is restricting you. If any of these things sound like you - you may benefit from our therapies.

OCD is one of several types of anxiety disorders. Other types of anxiety are:

We offer an specialised treatment programme for adults with common anxiety disorders, including OCD.

What causes OCD?

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER CAUSES

Experts are uncertain of OCD's precise cause. The environment, genetics, and anomalies of the brain are regarded to be contributing factors.

It frequently begins in adolescence or early adulthood but it can also begin in infancy. Both men and women are impacted by OCD and it often tends to run in the family.

According to research, communication issues between the frontal lobe and deeper brain areas play a role in OCD. The neurotransmitter serotonin is essentially a chemical messenger that is used by these brain regions. Additionally, images of the brain in action reveal that, in some individuals, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) can help the brain circuits implicated in OCD return to normal function.

OCD may be accompanied by other anxiety issues, depression, eating disorders, or substance addiction.

Start your treatment journey today. For fast access to specialised private mental health treatment in London at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, you can use your health insurance or simply fund your own treatment. Call our caring team direct on +44 20 4571 6312 or email us today.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

Obsessions are irrational anxieties, fears, or thoughts. They frequently occur and can cause great anxiety. Typical obsessions include:

  • A persistent focus on dirt or germs
  • Recurring feelings of doubt (for example, about leaving the iron on)
  • A requirement for everything to be in exactly the right sequence
  • Thoughts of violence or injuring someone
  • Touching or counting over extended lengths of time
  • Obsession with symmetry or order
  • Having doubts about one's personal religious beliefs.

These obsessions lead to compulsive behaviour. Often these behaviours can be time-consuming and obstruct the functionality of day-to-day life. These compulsions can be physical actions, mental rituals or involve a specific number. Sometimes people rationally know that it doesn't make ‘sense’ to carry out the compulsion but the obsessions cannot be controlled by reason. Common compulsions include:

  • Repeatedly checking, for instance, that a door is locked or that the iron is off
  • Adhering to strict norms of order, such as arranging spices alphabetically, putting on clothes in the exact same order each day and being agitated if the order is disturbed
  • Frequently washing your hands (sometimes more than 100 times a day).
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

How is OCD diagnosed?

Only trained therapists can diagnose Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. OCD is diagnosed via a physical and psychological exam and looks at:

  • Does the person have obsessions every day for at least an hour?
  • Does this result in him or her having compulsive behaviours?
  • Does this obsessive-compulsive behaviour disrupt their everyday function?

Once a diagnosis of OCD is made the right treatment plan can be formulated which best suits the individual.

Start your treatment journey today. For fast access to specialised private mental health treatment in London at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, you can use your health insurance or simply fund your own treatment. Call our caring team direct on +44 20 4571 6312 or email us today.

How is OCD treated?

The optimal course of action will be determined by your specialist depending on:

  • How old you are
  • Your general well-being and medical background
  • How ill your are
  • Your capacity to handle a certain medication or therapy
  • Expected duration of the condition
  • Your preference or opinion.

Treatment options might include:

Antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

What are the best treatments for OCD?

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and/or medication are known to be the most effective treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The strongest evidence supports the use of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a form of cognitive behavioural therapy, in the treatment of OCD. Additionally, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SRIs, are a family of drugs that are also among the most effective therapies for OCD.

An outpatient environment is the typical context for the practice of Exposure and Response Prevention by a qualified mental health practitioner (such as a psychologist, social worker, or mental health counsellor).

Start your treatment journey today. For fast access to specialised private mental health treatment in London at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, you can use your health insurance or simply fund your own treatment. Call our caring team direct on +44 20 4571 6312 or email us today.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for OCD

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an evidence approach that helps you explore how your thoughts affect your behaviours and how those behaviours can reinforce your thoughts.

In brief, the negative thoughts lead to unhelpful behaviours so changing this sequence can change both the behaviours and the thoughts to more helpful ones. Many therapies and wellbeing techniques are rooted in CBT.

Medications for OCD

The following OCD drugs may be prescribed to you, either alone or in conjunction with talk therapy:

  • Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been demonstrated to be useful in treating OCD.
  • You might be prescribed clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant if an SSRI is ineffective for you.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD

ERP is a treatment approach developed specifically for OCD. It challenges you to face your compulsions head-on and to fight the impulse to engage in them.

During ERP, your therapist will provide support as you purposefully place yourself in an environment that typically makes you feel nervous. You'll be urged to attempt to bear the anxiety rather than engaging in your normal obsession.

When you use ERP, you can more clearly observe that even if you don't carry out a compulsion, the unpleasant feelings will eventually pass. This kind of therapy might be difficult initially but your specialist will be able to guide you through and answer any questions you may have.

Private specialised OCD treatment at our leading London mental health clinic

If you have obsessive and compulsive thoughts, which you perceive as excessive or absurd, lead to severe suffering and significantly impair your everyday life; you should seek professional support. Our experts assist you in developing individual coping strategies.

We provide a very comprehensive and holistic day programme for those people whose lives have been significantly impacted by OCD. Our individualised programmes will be designed jointly to take into consideration your specific anxieties and the context of your current responsibilities and ability to free up time to attend treatment. Our environment at Schoen Clinic Chelsea is modern and bright, we take pride in our new building and we have smaller groups which means you get a more personalised approach. We also provide short-term individual therapy with a focus on achieving specific, mutually agreed outcomes.

Your programme is reviewed at an agreed minimum by you and the multidisciplinary team, encompassing the different professionals involved in your care. The team consists of consultant psychiatrists, psychotherapists/psychologists, family therapists and occupational therapists. You are at the centre of our approach, ensuring all the progress made across the programme is understood, built upon and applied. Our model provides consistency and continuity.

For those who would benefit from a highly specialised mental health day programme, we will ensure you have a full weekly review to make sure you are getting the most out of the programme and work to reduce your days with us as soon as possible.

Leading therapies for treating OCD in London

Developing strategies to reduce obsessive thinking and compulsive actions can be taught alongside the use of medication and psychological therapies.

Therapy is a personal experience which means that different people respond to different types or a combination. Our day programmes combine a range of therapies that can benefit you. As part of your programme, you will also have one-to-one time with a therapist as well as key working sessions.

What to expect from OCD treatment

Mindfulness-based treatment elements: Mindfulness and other relaxation and meditation techniques are taught and encouraged in our treatment programmes. To be able to focus on the ‘now’, not predicting the future, not thinking about the past. In being able to focus on the present and breathe slow, deep breaths; you can master the ability to shift your mind and increase your feelings of well-being.

Treatment needs: Outpatient treatment is usually sufficient if you are still able to cope well with everyday life. It often helps to perform behavioural exercises at home or in real-life situations while temporarily accompanied by a therapist. If this is not possible in the context of outpatient therapy, attending and participating in a day programme can be helpful. Here you can learn from the experiences of other patients in group therapies under the guidance of a therapist in order to achieve your own goals.

Medications: Medication can be a useful associated treatment option and some people find instant relief from symptoms while others take more time. Our Consultant Psychiatrists will prescribe and monitor medications that are clinically recommended for your symptoms. However, we believe that combining talking therapies and medication can make a positive impact on helping you on your recovery journey.

LEADING PRIVATE MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT IN LONDON

Specialised treatment programme for adults with mental health conditions

At our renowned London mental health clinic, we provide highly specialised help, support and treatment for common mental health disorders.

Adults suffering from disorders like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), stress, low mood, emotional trauma, low self-esteem, or bipolar disorder can access a variety of therapeutic treatments through our specialised specialised treatment programme.

Find out more today. Scan the QR code or visit the link below.

LEADING PRIVATE ANXIETY TREATMENT IN LONDON

Why choose Schoen Clinic Chelsea for your private anxiety treatment?

Schoen Clinic Chelsea is one of the top mental health facilities in London. As part of a global hospital group that treats 300,000 patients yearly, we have been helping people with mental health problems for more than 35 years.

We provide OCD treatment at Schoen Clinic in accordance with the latest studies from leading specialists in anxiety and mood disorders.
We employ outcome-focused techniques to provide patients with the best opportunity for recovery and relapse prevention.

The treatment plan is created using a personalised approach based on your needs and symptoms, and it is regularly reviewed by a multidisciplinary team. They will work with you using a consistent and empathic approach and make sure to support you in all facets of your life.

Get in touch with the team today.

Start your treatment journey today. For fast access to specialised private mental health treatment in London at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, you can use your health insurance or simply fund your own treatment. Call our caring team direct on +44 20 4571 6312 or email us today.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Frequently asked questions

OCD FAQs

There are similarities between people who experience Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and people who are compelled to carry out specific routines. However, they aren't the same. Many of us have routines, for instance how we carry out our morning personal care routines may be described as a ritual which we do automatically in the same order every day. Or a ritual may be religious and something you carry out as part of worship. For instance, prayer practices can be a ritual.

For someone with OCD a ritual may develop as a result of a perception or fear or something bad happening. It may start as a simple routine such as checking your front door is locked before you go to bed and develop into having to check the door because you are worried about an intruder getting in. This may develop into you obsessing about the possibility of an intruder and lead you to check the front door over and over again, maybe a ritual develops where you check the door is locked, rap three times on the bannister before going up the stairs and you count the steps as you climb them. If this gets to the point that you then feel compelled to go back and recheck and carry out this ritual over and over again. We want to help you regain your confidence and quality of life. You can speak to us without fear of judgement and with comfort in the knowledge that our therapies have helped hundreds of people.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder OCD is characterised by a pattern of unpleasant thoughts and anxieties (obsessions) that cause you to engage in repetitive actions (compulsions).

These compulsive thoughts and behaviours can disrupt daily life and create significant distress.

  • A persistent focus on dirt or germs
  • Recurring feelings of doubt (for example, about leaving the iron on)
  • Thoughts of violence or injuring someone
  • Touching or counting over extended lengths of time
  • Obsession with symmetry or order

OCD may be triggered or exacerbated by ongoing anxiety, stress, or by experiencing stressful events like a car accident or starting a new job.

Perinatal OCD may occasionally be triggered by pregnancy or childbirth.

Over time, obsessive-compulsive symptoms typically ebb and flow. Due to this, many people who have been diagnosed with OCD may believe that their condition fluctuates or even disappears before returning. However, obsessive-compulsive characteristics never really disappear. They need ongoing management instead.

Abuse, stress, and trauma can all contribute to the deterioration of OCD. OCD results in strong desires to finish a task or carry out a ritual. Obsessions and compulsions might start to take control of a person's life if they have the disorder.

OCD frequently manifests in childhood or adolescence and typically starts before the age of 25.

Our top private health anxiety specialists in London

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