OCD & LOW SELF-ESTEEM
Low self-esteem can make intrusive thoughts feel more threatening, while living with OCD can also damage how we feel about ourselves. I explore how negative self-beliefs, rumination, people-pleasing and excessive responsibility can interact with OCD.
OCD & GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER
OCD and generalised anxiety disorder have more in common than you might think. I explore how intolerance of uncertainty connects these conditions, why generalised anxiety can make OCD harder to manage, and what happens when we begin reducing compulsions.
OCD & ADHD: WHAT’S THE CONNECTION?
OCD and ADHD are different conditions, but they can coexist. I explore how ADHD may intensify rumination, make intrusive thoughts harder to manage, and why recognising and treating both conditions can be important.
IS OCD UNDERDIAGNOSED?
OCD is a condition almost everybody has heard of, yet many people living with it don't recognise their symptoms. I explore why OCD is frequently overlooked, how common misconceptions contribute to the problem and why earlier recognition matters.
WHEN DOES RUMINATION BECOME A COMPULSION?
We all worry and overthink sometimes, but when does rumination become a compulsion? I explore the difference between ordinary problem-solving and compulsive thinking, why rumination can maintain OCD, and how we can learn to respond differently.
SHOULD INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS BE CHALLENGED?
Challenging negative thoughts is a familiar part of CBT, but when it comes to OCD, this approach can sometimes become a compulsion itself. I explore when thought challenging is helpful, when it becomes problematic and what we can do instead.
IS HEALTH ANXIETY PART OF OCD?
Health anxiety and OCD have a surprising amount in common. Both can involve intrusive thoughts, checking and reassurance seeking. But are they actually the same condition? I explore where they overlap, how they differ and what this means for treatment.
CAN MEDICATION TREAT OCD?
Medication can be an effective treatment for OCD, but how does it compare with CBT and ERP? In this article, I explore the role of antidepressants, their potential benefits and limitations, and how medication and psychological therapy can work together to support recovery.
CAN OCD BE CURED?
Is OCD a lifelong condition, or can you fully recover? I explore what recovery really means, how treatment can change our responses to intrusive thoughts, and whether OCD can return.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TREAT OCD?
How long does it take to recover from OCD? I explore what influences treatment duration, why progress varies between individuals, and how to recognise meaningful improvements during CBT and ERP.
WHAT HELPS US RECOVER FROM OCD?
Why do some people recover from OCD more quickly than others? I explore three important factors that can support recovery: understanding OCD, finding motivation to change, and having a supportive environment.