Project Description
Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling disorder where you have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions), and behaviours which drive you to do something over and over (compulsions). Often you carry out the behaviours to get rid of the obsessive thoughts. In this disorder, if you fail to do the behaviour, there is a dramatic increase in anxiety. The behaviour provides a short-lived sense of relief. These thoughts and behaviours occupy much of your time and cause considerable distress. The illness dramatically impacts on functioning and relationships. Whilst, at times, these thoughts or behaviours may be recognized as being irrational, you are unable to control your thoughts and behaviours. Examples include germ/ hygiene obsession and repeated handwashing, counting, checking.
People may experience:
Obsession symptoms such as repeated, persistent and unwanted urges, thoughts and images which induce distress as well as anxiety. Obsessions intrude when trying to focus and think of other things. There is often a theme to an obsession, for example, fear of contamination, needing things to be orderly and symmetrical and aggressive thoughts about harming yourself and others
Compulsion symptoms such as repetitive behaviours you feel required to perform. These acts are meant to reduce anxiety but only really offer temporary relief. Themes of compulsion include washing & cleaning, checking, counting, demanding reassurances and following a strict routine
Our Approach
Treatment usually requires both medication and psychotherapeutic intervention. In the initial assessment we will explore your thoughts and habits as well as assess for a level of impairment and distress. In addition, it is important to exclude comorbid psychiatric disorders such as depression, generalized anxiety, substance use disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Medication generally involves serotonin promoting agents such a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) but may require the addition of antipsychotics to dampen down the dopamine-mediated ‘reward’ pathway to the behaviour. Psychotherapeutic interventions involve psycho-education, family support and gold-standard cognitive behavioural therapy which works on distress tolerance to intrusive thoughts and more positive behavioural techniques to cope with the associated anxiety brought on by these thoughts.
TESTIMONIAL
Dr Comrie and her practice are delightful, kind, compassionate and loving.
I have been a patient of Dr Comrie since 2016 when she correctly diagnosed me (something my previous physiatrists hadn’t been able to do). I see Dr Comrie on a monthly bases to manage my illness. She is very caring and open to my input. I have overcome so much since I started seeing her over two years ago. It’s pleasant visiting the practice. Dr Comrie’s receptionist, Berri, is very upbeat and efficient and the practice is comfortable and clean. You can often spot squirrels from Dr Comrie’s consulting room 😉
Dr Comrie has been treating me as a psychological patient since 2011. From the age of 35, I had been seen by at least 12 different psychiatrists to no avail. Within a half an hour of seeing Laura she diagnosed me. Although there have been additional issues since then. Laura has stood by me through this and then made numerous attempts to involve my family in helping find solutions. Laura has always made me feel, we’ll get through this all be it one day at a time. Her staff have always been kind and helpful, a huge plus when receiving treatment that requires a lot of patience. Not only did or does Laura treat me psychiatrically, Laura goes the full hog to ensure all my medical needs are met and resolved. Even in my new marriage relationship, Laura has been the stalwart guiding us the way. I am grateful to have such a professional, caring, empathetic Psychiatrist to help me learn to live life on life’s terms. Laura you have saved my life and made life livable on many occasions. I am very appreciative of your ever special support and therapy. I don’t have the words to express how grateful and indebted I am.
I had my first consultation with Dr Laura Comrie in June 2017. I was referred to Dr Comrie by my specialist physician as I was suffering from depression and anxiety. Laura initially set about getting my medication correct for the symptoms I was experiencing. With time she has adjusted my medication to suit my changing circumstances and state of mind. From my first session, I found Laura to be a caring, empathetic, non-judgemental, warm, understanding and trustworthy support. I feel like I am in touch with myself again as Laura has helped me to reconnect with the real me. I now continue with a monthly session with Laura and look forward to the wisdom she continues to bring to my life. I can highly recommend Dr Comrie for anyone who is suffering from anxiety and depression.
I cancelled my first appointment with Dr Comrie because I didn’t think my problem was bad enough to need a psychiatrist. A few months later, I made another appointment. I considered cancelling again. Going to that appointment is one of the best decisions I have ever made. My only regret is that I hadn’t made it 10 years earlier.
Dr Comrie is one amazing, awesome, accommodating, high-spirited doctor. She is so very humane. I love her all around the world and I wouldn’t trade her for the world.