Linda Atkinson has more than 12 years experience treating severe obsessive-compuslive disorder (OCD) with adults and children.  She recieved world class teaching and supervision in the treatment of OCD under the guidence of world renown Professor Paul Salvovskis while working in the UK.  She also co-wrote a book and treatment manual for young people with OCD, and has developed and presented workshops on the assessment and treatment of OCD at Universities in NZ and the UK.   Linda developed her own thriving private practice in London specialising in the treatment of anxiety disorders before returning home to NZ in 2014.

 

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person has obsessional thoughts and compulsive behaviours.  

 

An obession is an unwanted, repetitive thought, image or impulse that causes anxiety.  Common obessions include fear about causing harm to others, contracting an illness, doors being unlocked, being a paedaphile, a rapist, taking on another persons personality, and having a different sexual orientation. 

 

It's normal to have these kinds of thoughts or images.  The problem is not the thought, it is the meaning that people attach to these normal thougths.  For example, many people believe that having such thoughts is not normal and could be a sign of serious harm that they personally feel responsible to prevent.  Other unhelpful meanings include the idea that thoughts can cause things to happen, that thoughts are a true indication of one's moral character, and that one must always be 100% certain that harm will not occur.  

 

Unhelpful meanings such as these often drive a person to carry out compulsive behaviours in an effort to reduce anxiety and the harm they believe might happen.  Common compulsions/rituals include excessive washing, repeating behaviours until one feels "right", seeking reassurance from other people, checking doors and ovens, and compulsively scanning one's body for signs of danger (e.g., looking for signs of sexual arousal when around children).  Another common compulsion is called 'mental debating' which is when a person repeatedly argues and debates in their mind about the thing that they fear.  For example, debating with oneself about being gay or straight. Compulsions sometimes help a person feel less anxious in the short-term, but in the long-term they just keep OCD going.

 

OCD symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people with OCD may spend an hour a day engaged in OCD behaviours, but for others their whole life is taken over by OCD.  

 

The most important thing to know about OCD is that it can be successfully treated with CBT and that someone who has OCD is not crazy; just anxious.  

 

An excellent hand-out on OCD has been made by OCD-UK and can found this link 

 

If you decide to book a session with Linda Atkinson you may like to consider reading either of the following excellent books on treating OCD. 

 

The video clip below descibes some of the symptoms of OCD and what it might be like to have OCD.