Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health problem. Symptoms typically include recurring obsessive thoughts, and repetitive compulsions in response to the obsession. A common example is recurring obsessive thoughts about germs and dirt, with a compulsion to repeatedly wash your hands to “clean off the germs”. However, there are many other examples.

The cause of OCD is not clear. Slight changes in the balance of some brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as serotonin may play a role. This is why medication is thought to help (see below). Other theories have been suggested, but none proved. You dont have to suffer in silence, you can solve your problem yourself by visiting review of the root cause ocd book

CBT is a type of specialist ‘talking’ treatment (a specialist psychological therapy). It is probably the most effective treatment for OCD.

Cognitive therapy is based on the idea that certain ways of thinking can trigger, or ‘fuel’, certain mental health problems such as OCD. The therapist helps you to understand your current thought patterns. In particular, to identify any harmful, unhelpful, and ‘false’ ideas or thoughts which you have. Also to help your thought patterns to be more realistic and helpful. For example, if you have OCD it may be helpful to understand that thoughts or obsessions in themselves do no harm, and you do not have to counter them with compulsive acts. The therapist suggests ways in which you can achieve these changes in thinking.

Behaviour therapy aims to change behaviours which are harmful or not helpful. For example, compulsions. The therapist also teaches you how to control anxiety when you face up to any feared situations. For example, by using breathing techniques.

Cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) is a mixture of the two where you may benefit from changing both thoughts and behaviours. This is the most common treatment for OCD. A particular variation of CBT called ‘exposure response therapy’ is often used for OCD. For example, say you have a compulsion to keep washing your hands in response to an obsessional fear about ‘contamination’ with germs.

In this situation the therapist may gradually ‘expose’ you to ‘contaminated’ objects. But, the therapist prevents you from doing your usual compulsion (repeated hand washing) to ease your anxiety about contamination. Instead, the therapist teaches you how to control any anxiety in other ways. For example, by using deep breathing techniques. In time, you should become less anxious about ‘contamination’ and feel less need to wash your hands so much.

About 1 in 100 people develop OCD. Anyone can develop OCD. However, the chance of developing OCD is higher than average in first degree relatives of affected people (mother, father, brother, sister, child). If your child have problem then get treated dont ignore it, here we will help you to sort out your problem. You will some of your problem solution over here childhood ocd. It usually first develops between the ages of 18 and 30. It is usually a chronic (persistent) condition