OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

A person with obsessive-compulsive disorder has unpleasant thoughts and relieves them through repetitive reassurances and compulsions. It’s 1:1 in sex ratio.

What are the symptoms?

It’s a disorder characterised by obsessions and compulsions. By obsessions, we mean those unwanted, intrusive and repetitive thoughts. And by compulsions, we mean the urging and repetitive acts and behaviours.

Around 2–3% of the population suffers from OCD – one in 42 people.

What are examples of compulsions?

Constant checking – doors if they’re locked, making the person come late to work
Excessive sense of order – constant rearranging of the closet because one piece wasn’t perfectly folded
Washing – e.g., hands thoroughly and often until the skin is irritated
Hoarding – e.g., newspaper and magazines to the point it affects the quality of living

By doing this compulsion (ritual), the anxiety goes away but only temporarily. It triggers a vicious circle, and the anxiety escalates in the long run.

What’s the treatment?

The number one method for treating OCD is CBT – cognitive behavioural therapy. The patient is put in a situation which triggers the anxiety and is not permitted to do the compulsion/ritual. It goes from more manageable to more complex tasks and is treated individually.

Also, pharmacological medication is used (SSRI antidepressants – selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), routine changes (stress elimination, relaxation, exercise), and neurosurgery or electroconvulsive therapy is rarely used.

FAQ

What to do when…

If someone close to you has a mental illness, do not judge them or tell them to “try harder”. Give them the much-needed support and understanding. They’re far from alone in this.

When to see a professional?

Whenever you feel like talking about it or want a different perspective on the situation.

Who to reach out to?

Close person you trust
Doctor, therapist, psychologist
Support groups, patient organisation
Crisis centres, helplines

What are the steps to take?

Are you in a situation that must be sorted out immediately and can’t deal with it alone? Visit a crisis centre or call a helpline. Children under 18 can visit child crisis centres.
Are you in a situation where it’s unnecessary to sort it out immediately?
- Can you cover the expense? (800–1,500 CZK per session) See a therapist. They can send you to see a psychiatrist. You’ll find a list of psychotherapists at www.czap.cz, where you can verify their education.
- Can you not cover the expense? See your GP, who’ll recommend you to a professional covered by your health insurance company.
- Don’t you know who to choose? See your GP, and they’ll tell you.

How can I picture compulsive behaviour?

A person with OCD locks the door after leaving the house. They remember not shutting the door while walking/riding to work and immediately go back to try the handle. Then they leave the house and might come back again to check it. And it all might happen again many times until they arrive late to work.

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