Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

OCD and related conditions

Some conditions share OCD's pattern of repeated thoughts or behaviours that are hard to stop, and DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 group them with OCD.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

  Unwanted thoughts, images or urges (obsessions), and actions or mental rituals done to ease the distress they cause (compulsions). Common themes are contamination, harm, order and checking. It often starts in childhood or the teenage years.

• Body dysmorphic disorder

  Being preoccupied with a flaw in appearance that others can't see or think is minor, with hours spent checking mirrors, comparing, grooming or seeking reassurance. It usually begins in the teenage years. When the worry is mainly about weight or body shape, see Eating disorders.

• Hoarding disorder

  Ongoing difficulty parting with possessions, whatever their value, so that clutter builds up and rooms can't be used as intended. It often starts in the teenage years and becomes more noticeable with age.

• Hair-pulling and skin-picking

  Repeatedly pulling out hair (trichotillomania) or picking at skin (excoriation disorder), despite trying to stop, causing hair loss or skin damage. Both often begin around puberty and are frequently hidden out of embarrassment.

Signs to look for

• Unwanted, repeated thoughts or images that cause distress
• Washing, checking, counting or arranging things again and again
• Mental rituals, such as repeating words or reviewing events
• Spending an hour or more a day on these thoughts or actions
• In children: rituals at bedtime, repeated questions, or distress when routines change

Assessment

First, the thoughts and rituals: what they are, how much time they take, what they stop you doing. Dr Stanganelli also asks about mood, anxiety and family history. For children, parents are part of the assessment.

Treatment

Dr Stanganelli assesses, diagnoses, prescribes where it helps, and coordinates your care with your GP, psychologist and school.

1. i.Cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention, a recognised first-line approach, with your psychologist or one Dr Stanganelli can refer you to
2. ii.Medication where it is suitable, with regular review
3. iii.Guidance for family members on how to respond to rituals
4. iv.Treatment of depression or anxiety that occurs alongside OCD

Getting started

Ask your GP or paediatrician for a referral to Dr Stanganelli, then email it to appointments@stanganelli.com.au. Or post it to PO Box 5571, Mackay QLD 4740. All referrals are reviewed and assessed by Dr Stanganelli to determine suitability for the practice. Submission of a referral does not guarantee acceptance or an appointment. If your referral is accepted, we'll contact you with a time in Mackay, Brisbane or by telehealth, usually in under 4 weeks. If we can't accept a referral, we'll let the referring doctor or the patient know.

Request an appointment How referrals work