OCD is an anxiety disorder, characterised by repeated thoughts (obsessions) and rituals or repeated behaviours to combat those thoughts (compulsions). Anxious thoughts are not always a bad thing – ‘Did I remember to turn off the iron’ will lead to the behaviour of going back and checking. However when these thoughts and behaviours start impacting day to day life, professional help needs to be sought.
OCD often manifests in such behaviours as cleaning, safety (turning lights off and on, checking the oven), religious rituals or counting to name a few. These behaviours can limit daily functioning, and impact a person’s work, school and family life. OCD needs to be diagnosed by a professional and treated accordingly.
Margaret McDonald is a Professional Clinical Psychologist, capable of testing and diagnosing OCD. Margaret then teaches clients how to cope with daily life, and how to limit these thoughts and behaviours from impacting them. Margaret uses cognitive behavioural therapy to teach clients to redirect troubling thoughts and behaviours to healthy ones. If you feel you could benefit from diagnosis and/or treatment, please phone the office on 3862 8833 or email reception@mmcdonald.com.au for an appointment.
