Mental Health Association NSW
Organisation
Organisation Profile
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About
Offers information and education advice about protecting mental health, mutual support and advocacy services. - Areas Of Interest Anxiety Bipolar Disorder Depression Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panic Attacks Phobia Postnatal Depression Schizophrenia Stress Management
Answers contributed by Mental Health Association NSW
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Is behavioural therapy effective for treating OCD?
There are a number of behavioural therapies that assist in the prevention and reduction of available and it is important to realise that each individual set of symptoms will vary. Therefore interventions need to be ... read more -
What are the statistics for OCD in Australia?
According to the ABS (2007) 1.9% of Australians are affected by symptoms of OCD in a 12 month period. Research also shows that there is no discrepancy between genders, both males and females are equally ... read more -
Is OCD psychological, biological or both?
We frequently hear about the “nature versus nurture” debate, most experts now recognize that it is the interaction between our genes and the environment that determines whether a person develops OCD. read more -
Is OCD related to schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia and OCD co-occur with one another at a higher rate than would be expected in the general population. It has been estimated that approximately 15% of people with OCD also have schizophrenia. Currently, there ... read more -
Do have a checklist for OCD?
There are a plethora of online checklists available which outline the symptoms of OCD and provide general guidelines for diagnosis. It is always recommended that people seek assistance from registered medical health professionals to ensure ... read more -
Is OCD related to bipolar?
Research has established a strong link between bipolar disorder and OCD. It has been estimated that between 10 to 35% of people with bipolar disorder also have OCD, with most reporting that their OCD symptoms ... read more -
Is hypnotherapy effective for OCD?
There are some medical professionals that will swear by hypnotherapy and similarly there are others that may find the treatment non-beneficial. Like all mental health interventions treating OCD is about striking a balance between pharmacotherapy ... read more -
Is inositol effective for OCD?
Studies have shown inositol to be highly effective in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, due to its serotonin-boosting properties. Inositol has been found to be effective in relieving symptoms of OCD. read more -
Is OCD related to autism?
Both autism and OCD are characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Autism compulsions are usually automatic and unconscious, while OCD compulsions generally are brought on by obsessions. Autistic patients have difficulty connecting to people, and may ... read more -
Is OCD genetic or hereditary?
There is a theory that OCD is related to genetics. Genetics studies surrounding OCD are currently focusing on genetic differences that might explain the different OCD symptoms that exist. This research may be helpful in ... read more -
Are there different types of OCD?
Yes there are different types of OCD. These include: Contamination obsessions with washing/cleaning compulsions: focuses on feelings of discomfort associated with contamination and wash or clean excessively to reduce these feelings of distress. Harm obsessions ... read more -
Where can I find support groups for OCD?
Contact the Mental Health Information Service to find out where your local support groups are held 1300 794 991 read more -
Is there a relationship between OCD and anxiety?
People experiencing Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) have some recurrent worries, the range of worrying tends to be broader and not specific to one area, whereas people with OCD often worry and obsess about one or ... read more -
Can you test for OCD and what does it involve?
There are a number of OCD Self-Screening Test which are designed to give insight into an individuals thought processes and resulting behaviours. A diagnosis will include the presence of obsessions and compulsions that cause major ... read more -
Does exercise affect OCD?
It has been proven that moderate exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. Also that aerobic exercise promotes release of endorphins, which are “feel good” neurochemicals. Preliminary research has found that severity and frequency of ... read more -
What is the best treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Behaviour Therapy: involves experiencing the fearful situations that trigger the obsession (exposure) and taking steps to prevent the compulsive behaviours or rituals (response prevention). This type of therapy is a structured step-by-step technique tailored by ... read more -
How can I prevent Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
There is currently no sure way to prevent OCD, however early intervention and treatment may prevent OCD symptoms from worsening and can ensure an effective means of managing obsessive thoughts without relying on compulsive behaviours. read more -
What are the symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect people in many different ways. Not all people experience the same symptoms or the same degree of intensity of symptoms. Compulsions are repetitive, distressing and purposeful physical behaviours, which are ... read more -
What causes Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
The exact causes of OCD are not fully understood. There are, however, a number of possible theories: Related to genetics A result of the effects of interaction between behaviour and the environment (feelings of guilt ... read more -
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
OCD is an anxiety disorder characterised by recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that produce uneasiness, apprehension and fear, leading to patterns of repetitive behaviors in an effort to alleviate feelings of anxiety (compulsions). read more
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