Chamberlain International School has supported young individuals aged 11 to 22 with various academic and mental health challenges for over 40 years, specifically focusing on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is characterized by involuntary, recurrent negative thoughts and compulsive behaviors intended to relieve anxiety; however, these behaviors often provide only temporary relief and perpetuate a cycle of distress. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available to help individuals with OCD break this cycle and achieve lasting relief.

1. Obsessions and
Compulsions in
OCD
CHAMBERLAIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

2. Introduction
For more than 40 years, Chamberlain International School has welcomed
young people aged 11 to 22 who live with a variety of academic and mental
health challenges. The staff at Chamberlain International School draws on
an in-depth knowledge of many different challenges, including obsessive-
compulsive disorder (OCD).
The term “obsessive-compulsive disorder” names the two key patterns that
an individual with this diagnosis is likely to experience. The obsessive aspect
of the disorder involves recurrent negative thoughts or impulses which arise
involuntarily and are difficult for the person in question to ignore. The
person with OCD begins to ruminate on the intrusive thoughts, which often
involve worry that something terrible will happen, and this worry then
escalates to the degree that it interferes with normal life.
The majority of people with OCD know that their worries are not rational,
yet they cannot stop the thoughts. This causes the intrusive thinking to
become more bothersome and can lead to a deep sense of shame, as the
person recognizes his or her own mind is capable of producing such ideas.

3. OCD
Many people with OCD respond to the distress caused by their
obsessions by engaging in compulsions. They believe that performing
certain repetitive actions or rituals of thought will help to relieve the
anxiousness that the obsessions cause, yet the relief is temporary. Not
only does the anxiety return but the person realizes that the connection
between the repetitive action and the obsession is illogical.
Even with this understanding, the person will continue to perform his or
her compulsions and continues to struggle with obsessions. The sense
of temporary relief gained from acting on worry, combined with the
sense of responsibility to prevent disaster, keeps him or her stuck in a
seemingly endless loop. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment
options that can help people with OCD to break the cycle and find real,
lasting relief.