Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

 

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a serious anxiety-related that affects people regardless of gender and social or cultural background. Sufferers often go undiagnosed for many years, partially because of a lack of understanding of the condition, and partially because of the intense feelings of embarrassment, guilt and sometimes even shame associated with what is often called the ‘secret illness’.

This illness can have a totally devastating effect on work, social life and personal relationships. The World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks OCD as the tenth most disabling illness of any kind, in terms of lost earnings and diminished quality of life. 
Most sufferers know that their thoughts and behaviour are irrational and senseless, but feel incapable of stopping them. This has a significant impact on their confidence and self-esteem and as a result, their careers, relationships and lifestyles.

Obsessions and Compulsions are different in as much as the obsessions are felt and the compulsions are acted out.  The obsessions can be intrusive and recurrent thoughts, ideas or impulses the sufferer can’t stop thinking about.  It may feel as though the brain has been invaded by thoughts with no means to stop them.  All of us at some point in our lives have experienced the occasional obsessional thought, however if it reaches the stage that these thoughts completely take over a person’s life and affects their everyday functioning it becomes a full blown obsession.

Compulsions offer the sufferer an immediate benefit – for example the person may go on a drinking or eating binge which allows them to escape from life for awhile.  The compulsion is often much stronger when this person is feeling anxious or under stress.  After they have carried out their compulsive behaviour, they often feel very guilty and ashamed.  Other compulsive behaviours are gambling, drug taking, nail biting, comfort eating or cutting oneself.

Self harming and bodily abuse affects mainly children and teenagers although adults can also be affected.  Many normal people can suffer from the compulsion to self-harm. It is believed that between 1 and 10 per cent of people (especially teens) in the UK self-harm. Self harming can include cutting on the arms and legs, scratching the skin, hitting oneself and hair pulling (Trichotillomania).  It can also be associated with other abusive and reckless behaviours such as drug taking, eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia), reckless drinking and dangerous behaviour.
 
OCD can be treated very successfully with hypnoanalysis.

It is perfectly natural that you may have questions about hypnotherapy. To arrange a free consultation please don't hesitate to call me on 07812 948640.

Alternatively, you can email me on liz@lizhogon.co.uk

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Treatment of OCD (Obsessions and Compulsions) using hypnosis and hypnotherapy at the Clapham Common Clinic. This clinic serves South London including the areas of Clapham, Clapham Junction, Balham, Stockwell, Brixton, Tooting, Colliers Wood, London Bridge, Borough, Kennington, Oval, Elephant and Castle, Battersea, Norwood, Wandsworth, Putney, Fulham, Chelsea, Morden, Streatham, Mitcham, Wimbledon, Camberwell, Dulwich, Lambeth, Crystal Palace and Croydon.