Sadag dispels misconceptions around OCD
RIVONIA – Sadag raises awareness on a misunderstood illness during OCD awareness campaign.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group commemorated Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) awareness by sharing important information on the often misunderstood illness.
The Rivonia-based organisation explained that the debilitating illness had a severe impact on sufferers but despite this, many people remained unaware of what it really was or how severe it could affect individuals diagnosed with the illness.
Speaking on the matter was clinical psychologist, Shai Friedland who said, “Many individuals diagnosed with OCD may have intrusive thoughts around cleanliness and contamination and therefore may clean/wash themselves and/or their possessions.
“They may also have intrusive thoughts about orderliness and may, therefore, keep certain possessions in a particular order but this is truly only rubbing the surface of OCD and for many individuals, their symptoms expand beyond just wanting to be neat, clean, and/or having their possessions in order.”
Friedland elaborated further saying that often individuals portraying symptoms of OCD, experienced severe levels of anxiety and spent hours a day on their intrusive thoughts, rituals as well as their overall functioning.
While this may seem dramatic to non-sufferers, Friedland stressed the importance of understanding that people suffering from OCD may have intrusive thoughts which may sometimes be strange and illogical, yet they will be compelled to act out these urges and compulsions in an attempt to minimise their high levels of anxiety.
“It also helps to keep in mind that the vast majority of OCD sufferers are fully aware of the irrational nature of their obsessions and compulsions, and this only adds to their levels of stress, anxiety, and feelings of confusion and shame,” he explained.
In spite of this, Friedland said there was hope for sufferers, with treatment being available to help relieve their symptoms and not having to spend the rest of their lives dealing with them.
This included cognitive behavioural therapy and in particular exposure and response prevention, which research indicated as the most effective treatment
“Medication may also be used but it would be advisable to speak to your general practitioner, psychiatrist, or psychologist to find out more about your treatment options,” he concluded.
Details: 0800 21 22 23; www.sadag.org
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