Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment and support in London

It’s estimated that 1 in 100 people will develop OCD at some point during their lives. At Priory, we understand the symptoms of OCD can be difficult and frustrating, and can have a negative impact on your ability to live a healthy and productive life. 

Like most mental health conditions, research suggests that OCD may develop because of a number of different factors. These include:

• Genetics – genetics have been found to contribute to OCD, and this condition is known to run in families. Studies show that having a close relative such as a parent or sibling who suffers from OCD, can increase your risk of developing OCD too
• Gender – gender has been linked to the type of OCD symptoms you’re more likely to experience. Research suggests that men are more likely to have obsessions about sex or violence and are more likely to experience the symptoms of OCD at an earlier age. On the other hand, women are more likely to develop contamination and cleaning compulsions and are less likely to experience an early onset of these symptoms
• Life events – certain life events may also increase your risk for developing OCD. People who go through trauma or stressful events during childhood, particularly physical/sexual abuse or bullying, are more likely to develop OCD. OCD may also develop following a significant life event such as childbirth or bereavement
• Existing mental health challenges – research also shows that people who struggle with existing mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have an increased risk for developing OCD
• Personality – people who have a strong sense of responsibility for others or high personal standards, may be more likely to develop OCD
  
  

OCD symptoms can be grouped into either obsessions or compulsions. There are some common examples of obsessions and compulsions that people with OCD may experience as part of their condition.

Examples of OCD obsessions include:

• Overwhelming fear of germs or contamination
• Uncontrollable thoughts that you might say something inappropriate or harm another person
• Constantly worrying that you forgot to lock a door or turn off an appliance
• Experiencing intrusive sexual thoughts or constantly questioning your sexuality

Examples of OCD compulsions include:

• Repeating actions a set number of times or for a certain amount of time e.g. turning a light switch on and off
• Washing your hands or bathing multiple times each day, regardless of whether you need to
• Only touching certain objects with a tissue or avoiding objects that you think are contaminated
• Counting or repeating certain words over and over again
• Rearranging objects so these are aligned and symmetrical

OCD can be difficult to cope with. However, specialist OCD treatment and support can alleviate your symptoms and help you make a strong and lasting recovery. At Priory, our OCD experts are dedicated to providing personalised OCD treatment and help. We can support you to:

• Become more self-aware
• Learn coping mechanisms to help you to manage your OCD
• Resolve the underlying issues that may be making your OCD worse
• Identify triggers for your obsessions and compulsions

We can provide OCD treatment in an outpatient, day care or inpatient (residential) capacity, depending on the level of support you need.

In addition, Priory’s national network of specialist hospitals and wellbeing centres mean that we can offer you the specialist support that you need in a location that’s convenient for you. We can also be flexible around your work and other commitments.

CBT for OCD

CBT is a therapeutic method that’s used all over the world to treat OCD. CBT is based on the idea that OCD develops because of unhealthy thought processes that cause you to evaluate and respond to situations in unhealthy ways.

The aim of CBT is to help you address your negative thought patterns, look at why they’ve developed in the first place, and support you to view situations differently. The OCD CBT programme at Priory will help you to reduce your obsessions, compulsions and anxiety.

CBT has been found to result in lots of benefits and provides you coping strategies for the future. CBT can take place in the form of one-to-one therapy or group therapy, depending upon which method is the best for you.

OCD medication

Medication can also be used to treat OCD. This is usually prescribed alongside CBT to act as a further barrier against OCD. The most useful medications for OCD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are a form of antidepressant medication. SSRIs aren’t addictive and their effects can be seen after a few weeks. It’s important to take a full course of SSRI treatment, which is usually a year or more.

Outpatient therapy

At our wellbeing centres, we are able to offer a tailored outpatient therapy package that’s been specially designed to treat OCD. This offers:

• A set amount of 1:1 therapy sessions
• Certainty of price for your initial treatment
• Discounted rates
• A personalised treatment plan

Outpatient treatment for OCD

During outpatient treatment for OCD, you’ll come to one of our hospitals or wellbeing centres for a set number of hourly sessions with a consultant or therapist. These usually happen on a weekly basis.

This type of treatment is useful if you don’t need more intensive treatment for your OCD and it also means you can attend flexible appointments at a time and a place that’s convenient for you. You can start outpatient therapy straightaway or this can be used as a step-down from more intensive treatment, if needed.

Online therapy for OCD

Our online therapy service connects you with accredited therapists via secure video calls, meaning you can receive treatment for OCD from any location. With appointments available during evenings and weekends, online therapy offers a flexible solution, allowing you to access high quality support for OCD, without disrupting your routine.
Online therapy with Priory is as effective as in-person sessions and we use evidence-based techniques, tailored to your needs. 

Inpatient treatment for OCD

During inpatient treatment, you’ll stay at one of our hospitals on a residential basis, and receive intensive treatment for your OCD.

This type of treatment is helpful when it comes to treating more severe cases of OCD because it gives you the chance to spend some time away from your usual living situation in order to remove any influences that might be making your condition worse. It’s also really structured and provides round-the-clock care, helping you to overcome your OCD.

The thought of coming into hospital can be daunting at first. However, this type of treatment really can have a positive impact on your quality of life and help you get back on track. It means you have the time, care and attention you need to fully address your OCD and take steps towards a healthy future.

Day care for OCD

You can also receive OCD treatment as part of our day care programme. During day care, you will come to one of our Priory sites for a certain number of days each week, where you will take part in OCD therapy.

However, unlike inpatient treatment, you won’t stay at the hospital overnight but will go home following a day of treatment. Day care can be used as a step-down from inpatient treatment or a step-up from outpatient treatment, if needed.

Day care is useful if you don’t need 24-hour support for your OCD, but still need some level of structured care.

Our sites across the UK provide specialist treatment for a range of mental health conditions. Our regional locations include:

• Priory Hospital Roehampton
• Wimbledon Park Clinic
• Priory Hospital North London
• Priory Hospital Woking
• Priory Hospital Hayes Grove
• Priory Hospital Chelmsford
• Priory Wellbeing Centre Harley Street