In this talk, Professor Paul Salkovskis discusses how Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) works and what needs to happen to overcome it.
OCD is marked by the occurrence of intrusive and unacceptable thoughts, images, impulses or doubts which the person tries to deal with through compulsive behaviours such as washing, checking, saying prayers and so on. For some it can become a life-sapping problem which dominates every waking hour. Other people manage it with difficulty, but feel constantly under siege from it.
There are many faces of OCD. We now know that intrusive thoughts of the type which torment people suffering from OCD are universal, and that the problem lies in how people react to such intrusions. OCD latches on to our worst fears, typically about being responsible for harm, which feels entirely unacceptable to the person. Their efforts to prevent harm have the effect of increasing their fears as a kind of lose-lose trap. Those who have a tendency towards experiencing OCD also struggle with telling anyone, and sometimes experience unjustified feelings of shame and guilt that prevent them from seeking help.
A Q&A will follow, chaired by Professor Cathy Creswell.
Find out more about:
1. Paul Salkovskis - www.psy.ox.ac.uk/people/paul-...
2. Cathy Creswell - www.psy.ox.ac.uk/team/cathari...
About the Series:
We have come to realise the importance of mental health issues and the impact they can have on individuals as well as on society at large. But, can you separate the facts from the myths? Do you know how to promote your own mental wellness and help those around you?
At Oxford, we have some of the world’s leading researchers helping us understand the causes of mental conditions and develop effective evidence-based treatments. We are bringing them together in a new series to share their knowledge and answer your questions about how we can look after each others’ mental wellness in our community.