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    mental-health

    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (adjunctive support)

    Also known as: OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder, intrusive thoughts, compulsions

    OCD causes unwanted intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours or rituals performed to ease the distress. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy and SSRI medication are the proven treatments. Chinese medicine offers adjunctive support for the anxiety and sleep disturbance that accompany OCD.

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    Lifestyle & Diet

    • •ERP therapy with a trained psychologist is the most effective treatment — ask the GP for a referral.
    • •SSRIs at adequate doses help many people; give them 8–12 weeks to work.
    • •Intrusive thoughts are a symptom, not a reflection of who you are.
    • •Reduce caffeine and prioritise sleep — both lower the anxiety that drives rituals.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    See sources
    • •Never suggest Chinese medicine can treat OCD itself — ERP and medication are the evidence-based treatments.[,]
    • •Suicidal thoughts are an emergency.[]

    When to reassess or seek care again

    See sources

    Review every 2–4 weeks. Track time spent on rituals, distress level and sleep (Y-BOCS if trained). Confirm ERP/psychiatric care is in place; screen mood each visit.

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    Sources & Further Reading

    Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.

    1. OCD — Healthdirect
      Healthdirect Australia · 2024
    2. OCD and BDD (CG31) — NICE
      NICE · 2005
    3. Lifeline — 24-hour crisis support
      Lifeline Australia · 2024
    4. Chinese medicine practitioner safety standards
      AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024

    Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.