Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by recurring unwanted thoughts (called obsessions) and repetitive actions (called compulsions). These thoughts and behaviors often take on a rigid, repetitive pattern that the person feels unable to control.
While many people occasionally double-check a door or worry they might have forgotten something, OCD goes beyond this. It becomes a disorder when the thoughts and behaviors are so persistent and overwhelming that they cause distress or interfere with daily life.
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Symptoms of OCD
OCD symptoms can take up many hours each day, significantly disrupting work, relationships, and social life. Although most patients recognize that their fears and behaviors are irrational, they often feel powerless to stop. Many people hide their symptoms, sometimes for years, due to shame and fear of judgment. They avoid seeking help due to thoughts like “This sounds crazy; no one will understand” or “I don’t even understand why I do this myself.”
After many years of living with the condition, the compulsions can become so ingrained that the person may lose sight of how unreasonable they are.
Obsessions and Compulsions
OCD usually involves both obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions
are intrusive thoughts, ideas, or urges that the person recognizes as irrational or exaggerated, yet can’t stop them from entering their mind. These thoughts often create distressing emotions such as fear, disgust, or discomfort.
Compulsions
are repeated behaviors or mental rituals that the person feels compelled to perform in response to the obsessions. These rituals often follow strict rules or patterns, even though the person realizes they don’t make logical sense. Performing these rituals temporarily reduces anxiety caused by obsessions. The process creates a cycle that can become deeply embedded in daily life.
Shame and Guilt
People with OCD often suffer not only from the compulsions themselves but also from the guilt and shame that can come with them. Because of this, many try to hide their symptoms, which is why OCD is sometimes referred to as “the hidden illness.”
Comorbidities
OCD is often accompanied by other mental health conditions, especially depression. It is also closely related to a group of disorders known as “obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders.” These include body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania (hair-pulling), and excoriation disorder (skin-picking).
Prevalence of OCD
Around 2 to 3% of people will experience obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) at some point in their lives, making it the fourth most common mental health condition. The first signs of OCD often appear in childhood or adolescence. Research suggests there are two age peaks when symptoms commonly start: between 12 and 14 years old, and again between 20 and 22. In about 85% of cases, OCD develops before the age of 30, with men tending to show symptoms on average five years earlier than women.
In childhood, boys seem to be affected slightly more often than girls (with a ratio of about 3 to 2). From adolescence onward, OCD occurs in men and women at roughly the same rate. It’s important to distinguish OCD from obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). While the two can overlap, only about 8 to 29% of people with OCD also have OCPD.
OCD Treatment
Without proper treatment, OCD usually becomes chronic. Symptoms may fluctuate over time but often expand into new areas of life. Such thinking leads to social withdrawal, isolation, and even physical damage. For example, excessive handwashing may lead to eczema and skin infections.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be treated effectively, especially when addressed early. The most successful approach involves a specific kind of psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention.
Psychotherapy is usually combined with medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Even in cases where OCD has lasted for many years, treatment can lead to meaningful improvement. While not all patients achieve complete remission, many experience a significant reduction in the intensity of obsessive thoughts. Such an approach greatly enhances quality of life.
Psychotherapy for OCD at CHMC Dubai
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), especially with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is the gold standard in OCD treatment. ERP involves facing situations or thoughts that trigger obsessive fears, step by step. During this process, patients learn to avoid performing the compulsive behaviors that usually follow. This form of treatment is often done in real-life environments, like at home, so patients can practice tolerating discomfort where symptoms occur.
A patient undergoing ERP gradually learns that the feared outcomes do not happen. Intense emotions fade over time—even without performing compulsions. This real-world learning experience helps “train” the brain to react differently.
In moderate to severe OCD, therapists often use a multi-modal approach. This combines exposure techniques with cognitive strategies and elements from systems theory, psychodynamic therapy, or mindfulness practices. This approach addresses not only symptoms but also the emotional and relational patterns behind them, such as self-doubt or family dynamics. Involving close family members is often recommended, especially if they are part of the patient’s compulsive rituals.
Research shows that combining CBT with medication does not always outperform CBT on its own. However, adding medication can be especially useful when severe depression is also present or when obsessive thoughts dominate.
Psychiatric Medication for OCD
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed medications for OCD. Drugs such as Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, and Sertraline are well-studied and frequently used. Clomipramine, another option, can be effective but tends to cause more side effects and is usually considered a secondary choice.
If SSRIs at the right dosage and duration don’t provide enough relief, doctors may suggest augmentation. This procedure means adding a low-dose atypical antipsychotic to boost the effect of the SSRI. This approach works in about one-third of patients who did not respond well to SSRIs alone, especially individuals with tic disorders in addition to OCD.
Patients should always consult their psychiatrist regarding appropriate dosages. Higher doses are often needed for OCD than for depression. It may take at least 4 weeks to start feeling a change and up to 8–12 weeks to feel the full benefit. Stopping medication should be done slowly and only when aligned with the progress made in therapy.
For long-term results, experts generally recommend combining medication with cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Psychiatrists in Dubai for Treatment of OCD. Summary
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often involves recurring, unwanted ideas or images that trigger anxiety or strong discomfort. These thoughts can be aggressive in nature, such as the fear of harming someone else. Alternatively, they may revolve around contamination, sexuality, or even irrational beliefs. Most patients experience a combination of intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions (compulsions). For some, obsessive thoughts dominate, while others feel more burdened by compulsive behaviors.
Anyone struggling with obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors should seek professional support from a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. OCD is a complex condition, and trying to handle it alone can make the problem worse. With the right treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication when necessary, patients can break free from the cycle of OCD and regain a good quality of life.
Looking for Psychiatrists in Dubai for OCD Treatment?
At CHMC Dubai, our German board-certified psychiatrist and psychotherapists specialize in evidence-based treatment for OCD. We offer CBT with exposure and response prevention and medication management. Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or have been dealing with symptoms for years, our team offers personalized care. Our goal is to help you regain control over your life.
Learn More About OCD Therapy
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
- Impulse Control Disorders, Aetiology
