WHAT WE TREAT
Our obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment programmes are grounded in pragmatism and empathy, featuring amongst many other treatment modalities a 24/7 therapist to help you address intrusive thoughts as they arise.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety-based mental health condition in which a person has intrusive and disturbing thoughts (obsessions) and/or the urge to complete impulsive actions (compulsions). Distressing thoughts often bring intense feelings of fear with them, and the compulsions are an attempt to feel more in control of this fear. Over time, this can lead people to believe that they have more control and, therefore, responsibility for the outcome of specific events than they actually do. For example, they can start to believe that if they do not complete the compulsion x number of times, the distressing thought will come true.
Numerous factors contribute to the development of OCD, such as a person’s genetics, environmental factors, psychological conditions and physical health. For example, if a person has relatives who developed OCD, then they are at a significantly higher risk of developing OCD through both genetic dispositions and learned behaviour from their relatives in childhood (environment). Physical, sexual or emotional abuse during childhood can also lead to OCD.
There is a potent link between obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance abuse. OCD can increase the risk of developing a substance addiction because alcohol or drugs can be used as a way to ease OCD-related anxiety.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can feel debilitating. Those of us struggling with OCD usually recognise that our obsessions are irrational, but this knowledge does not help us control the negative thoughts or prevent us from acting on the compulsions. The symptoms of OCD are vast and singular to the subject, but they often include obsessive thoughts and/or compulsions such as:
Common obsessions include:
- Fear of illness via contamination by germs.
- Fear of losing control of oneself.
- Fear of harm to self or others (often fear of death).
- Intrusive violent images and thoughts.
- Intrusive sexual images or thoughts.
- Excessive thoughts about morality (fearing they are not a ‘good’ person).
- Excessive attention to superstitions.
- Extreme attention to order and symmetry.
- Fear of making a mistake (i.e. forgetting to turn the stove off or lock the door).
- A vague but persistent fear of “something bad happening”.
Common compulsions include:
- Excessive double-checking of things (e.g. if the front door is locked).
- Counting, tapping or repeating certain words a specific number of times.
- Excessive cleaning or washing (e.g. handwashing).
- Repeatedly checking in on someone to make sure they are safe.
- Ordering and arranging things in a precise manner.
- Carrying out specific physical rituals a certain number of times a day (e.g. having to turn the light switch on and off ten times, three times a day).
- Carrying out mental rituals (for example, repeating a phrase multiple times daily).
- Excessive praying or conducting religious rituals triggered by fear.
- Excessive hoarding of possessions.
- Fixation on food origin or food quality.
bespoke treatment
How we treat OCD
We can’t tell you exactly what your four-week stay will involve because each treatment plan is personalised to your specific needs. At Paracelsus Recovery, we understand that overcoming obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) requires a tailored approach. Every client receives a bespoke treatment plan, with each day thoughtfully structured to include a range of therapeutic elements designed to address your unique symptoms and triggers. By addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of OCD, we ensure a comprehensive treatment plan to help you regain control. See below for more details.
Our approach considers the whole person: mind, body and soul
At Paracelsus Recovery, we adopt a truly 360-degree treatment approach to treating OCD, addressing both the conscious and unconscious factors that drive your symptoms. Alongside cutting-edge psychotherapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), we explore the unconscious patterns and unresolved conflicts that may be contributing to your compulsions and obsessive thoughts.
In addition to psychodynamic therapy, we recognise the importance of addressing the physical triggers of OCD, such as stress and neurological imbalances. Through medical interventions like stress-reduction techniques, mood stabilisers, and neurofeedback, we work to stabilise your body’s physiological responses, reducing the intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsions. This integrated approach, which combines psychological depth with medical and complementary therapies, ensures that your recovery is both thorough and lasting, supporting both your mind and body.
15+ team members, all dedicated to your health and well-being
A team of more than 15 experts will be dedicated to you and by your side throughout your stay with us. This includes a personal psychiatrist, medical doctor, client relations team, and many others.
At the heart of this team is a live-in therapist, available 24/7 to provide emotional support and assist you in addressing intrusive thoughts, managing compulsive behaviours, and working through the challenges of OCD. With continuous, tailored care, we ensure that you have the tools and support needed to make meaningful progress in your recovery.
Comprehensive programmes as unique as you are
We tailor our comprehensive and intensive OCD treatment programmes to meet your needs. What all of our programmes have in common is that they are steeped in our core values of pragmatism and empathy.
We can provide treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder and any co-occurring mental health conditions at our OCD treatment centre in Zurich.
FURTHER READING
