Support for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Living with OCD can be exhausting and distressing. However, OCD is highly treatable, and many people experience significant improvements with evidence-based therapies and, where appropriate, medication.

Our compassionate clinicians are here to help you move forward with evidence-based treatments and a person-centred approach.

Our service provides assessment and treatment for both children (aged 5+) and adults.

What is OCD?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition characterised by persistent and unwanted thoughts (obsessions), which can be accompanied by a desire to carry out repetitive behaviours to reduce anxiety or stress (compulsions). Symptoms can include:

  • Intrusive and unwanted thoughts or images

  • Anxiety or distress linked to these thoughts

  • Repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions)

  • Feeling unable to resist compulsive behaviours

  • A strong need for certainty or reassurance

  • Excessive doubt or fear of making mistakes

  • Avoidance of triggers

  • Significant impact on daily life and routines

Understanding OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder includes three interconnected elements

Obsessions

Obsessions are unwanted and intrusive thoughts. They can be experienced as worries, urges or mental images, and they can be incredibly distressing.

Examples include fear of germs, fear of harming others, a need for perfection, or intrusive thoughts that feel unacceptable or distressing.

Emotions

These obsessions can trigger intense and distressing emotions such as fear, anxiety, panic or disgust.

Examples include anxiety about forgetting important tasks, feelings of guilt linked to intrusive thoughts, or a sense of unease when things do not feel “right” or perfect.

Compulsions

This distress can lead to compulsions, which are repetitive behaviours that may temporarily reduce anxiety or distress. However, they only provide temporary relief.

Examples include excessive handwashing or cleaning, checking behaviours, mental rituals, or repeating words to neutralise thoughts.

Support for adults

Our adult clinical team has helped many people better understand and manage the symptoms of OCD. As a psychiatrist-led team, we can support you through talking therapies, medication, or a combination of both.

Support for adults experiencing OCD may include:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

  • Medication if required

Support for young people

We have a dedicated Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, with psychiatrists and clinical psychologists who are specially trained to help young people navigate mental health difficulties.

Support for young people experiencing OCD may include:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

  • Medication if required

Meet our clinicians

Dr Amelia Lapraik

Adult Perinatal Psychiatrist BSc MBBS MCRPsych

Dr Patrick Davey

MOAI Founder & Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist NHS Clinical Entrepreneur BM BSc PGDip (OXON) MRCPsych

Dr Shivani Patel

Child and Adolescent Consultant Psychiatrist MA(Oxon) BMBCH MRCPsych

Dr Anthony Brown

Consultant Psychiatrist in General Adult and Older Adult Psychiatry MB BS BSc (Hons) MRCPsych

Jess Pinson

Occupational Therapist (Adult & CAMHS) BSc Psychology (Hons), PGdip Occupational Therapy

Dr Hannah Huang

Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist MBBS BSc (Hons) MRCPsych

Dr Gavin Tucker

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist MB BCh BAO MSc MRCPsych

Lucy George

Assistant Psychologist BSc

Book now

Complete this form to book a free and informal discussion with a MOAI psychiatrist.

Alternatively you can use the contact details below:

Email: contact-us@moaihealth.app

Tel: 0204 614 3609