SERVICES
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE AND TRAUMA-RELATED DISORDERS

 
 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

“Obsessions” refers to thoughts experienced as invasive, repetitive, often unpleasant ("disturbing", “violent”, “graphic”, “embarrassing”), and almost always difficult to ignore. Anxiety often accompanies such thoughts, either because of the content of the thoughts or what may happen if they aren’t acted upon (e.g. “someone could break into the house if I don’t check the doors seven times each"). The content of obsessions often falls into (but isn’t limited to) the following themes:

  • Contamination (dirt, germs, disease, becoming sick, etc.)
  • Violence or profanity (e.g. unexpected images of stabbing someone when looking at them)
  • Sexuality
  • Religion
  • Symmetry/order

These thoughts can be accompanied, many times, by "compulsions": thoughts, words or actions that, when performed, lessen the tension that comes with the obsessions, but in most cases, this is only temporary.

It is important to remember that one’s preferences for how their room is set out, or concern over one's house security, is not always a cause to believe a disorder is present! But when such thoughts, rituals or behaviours begin to cause you or others distress or begin to affect your quality of life (e.g. spending 2 hours a night checking the locks), it may be helpful to discuss these aspects with a healthcare professional.

Trauma & Related Stress Disorders

“Trauma” commonly refers to experiences that affect you, or someone close to you, in an intensely negative way. This can include a wide range of events, from a single major life change (such as an accident or loss of a loved one) to long-term challenges that go on for years (such as bullying or abuse). Certain reactions can be common for some time after traumatic experiences have ceased; however, in some cases, these reactions can become disruptive, persistent, and develop into disorders that can prevent a person from moving forward in a healthy way. It can often be difficult to know where the line is drawn between “normal” or “abnormal”; however, consider meeting with a professional if you struggle with any of the following beyond the first 2-3 weeks after difficult events:

MOOD, ANXIETY & PERSONALITY DISORDERS

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE AND TRAUMA-RELATED DISORDERS

SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM AND RELATED PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

SUBSTANCE/MEDICATION-INDUCED DISORDERS, REQUIRING DUAL DIAGNOSTIC MANAGEMENT

NEUROPSYCHIATRIC AND BODY-RELATED CONDITIONS

FAQ

1Is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a form of anxiety?
Although not technically classed as an anxiety disorder, trauma-related disorders (like PTSD) almost always involve significant anxiety, especially with reminders of the trauma that occurred. However, people can experience a range of intense emotions in response to these triggers, such as irritability, anger, sadness or fear.
2Can post-traumatic stress disorder cause you to become violent?
People with PTSD can often develop “hypervigilance”, which can be experienced as “jumpiness”, feeling "on edge", or reacting strongly to external factors around them such as loud noises or sudden movements. In some instances, where these symptoms are severe, a person could find themselves lashing out in ways that could be seen as aggressive to those around them.
3What are the signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder?
People with obsessive-compulsive disorders develop fears, thoughts or behaviours that they often know to be “irrational” or “illogical"; however, they struggle to control these fears. They often find themselves constantly doubtful and hypersensitive to their surroundings. A person with OCD almost always finds these thoughts to be unpleasant, and the behaviours are often impractical or time-consuming.
  • Experiences of “re-living” the trauma (vivid dreams, “flashbacks”)
  • Strong reactions (emotional or physical) to any reminders of the trauma (racing heart, tremors, severe anxiety, difficulty breathing)
  • Ongoing struggles with guilt, anger or extreme negativity regarding the trauma
  • Feeling "jumpy", "jittery", or easily startled by sudden noises or movements
  • Difficulty focusing on (or trying with great effort to avoid) any aspect of the trauma (talking about it, reminders of it, etc.)

TREATMENT

Treatment for the above conditions almost always includes recommended therapy for at least 6-12 sessions. Many different forms of therapy have been developed for obsessive-compulsive and trauma-related symptoms, all with the common goal of helping one's mind and body learn to react in a healthier way to the stressors that one struggles with. For some people, skills and tools learned in therapy can be enough to help them move forward from these difficulties. However, many people also benefit from various medications that help treat the chemical and brain-related changes often associated with these conditions. Medications most often include antidepressants, which help balance these chemicals and make the symptoms easier to cope with (or, in many cases, to resolve).