How can she recover from OCD?

[Mary745barrin]

Hey everyone. I am staying with my friend for last three weeks. In the short period of the time, I doubt whether my friend is suffering from OCD or not. The confusion came to my mind after seeing her washing and cleaning. She used to wash her clothes every day. But if she just touches the dress she washes it again, which is repeated always. It is the case with plates and vessels. She keeps on washing all the utensils in home at least once in one day. If she is not able to do it she becomes nervous as if she didn't have food. I told this to her boyfriend. He told that she is concerned about cleanliness. One day I shuffled her wardrobe. That day she was like a mad person. That day I confirmed that she is suffering from OCD. We are planning to take her for OCD therapy from a clinic in Toronto ( cognitivebehaviourtherapyto... ). Will this therapy can help her? How can we confirm that she is suffering from OCD? Is there any need for medication? How long will be the treatment?

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello Mary,

Welcome to our supportive community. Wow, such a lot of questions! Please bear in mind that this is an international community, and we may not know what the health provisions, protocols and Government/State medical condition guidelines are for each country.

Here in the UK, there are NICE (National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence) NHS guidelines to diagnose and manage OCD in adults:nice.org.uk/guidance/cg31 Diagnosis may be made at a local GP level, or maybe referred to a psychiatrist. There is a range of medications and talking therapies that can be offered. Self-diagnosis, even if glaringly obvious, won't be accepted, but producing a personal diary of signs, symptoms, behaviours, mood, thoughts etc will provide first-hand evidence to support your friend to present her case to the doctor.

I have found this link to guidelines in the Anxiety Disorders Association in Canada - Ontario Province: anxietydisordersontario.ca/...

You may also find this information from Mind UK charity helpful:mind.org.uk/information-sup...

Hopefully, you find folks here are only too willing to come alongside you and share from their personal journeys and experiences.

In the meantime, do check out our Pinned Post section for free mental health guides, and keep handy our international crisis support helplines:shawmindfoundation.org/supp...

Keep in touch and let us know how your friend and you get on.

OK folks anyone from Canada here who can offer support?

Best wishes, MAS Nurse

[Hidden]

We are in the UK Mary

The Clinic will make an assessment of her needs, then work from there

There are various techniques they will try and also give coping skills that will help Her in the early, medium and long term. There are medications that can help. The department She is attending should keep Her Doctor informed regards needs and assistance required to help Her come to terms with Her condition.

In the UK a Family GP may refer a patient with this problem.

i hope she will eventually recover. It may be beneficial if your Friend makes a list of Her Concerns and fears, also the tasks She tries over and over again. This will help at assessment

BOB