OCD Psychologist Sydney

How do I know if I have obsessive-compulsive disorder?

It may be difficult to determine if you have obsessive-compulsive disorder because it is normal to have obsessive, intrusive thoughts and experience stress or worry. Additionally, most people find themselves behaving compulsively over certain elements of their life, and they’re not always sure why.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition distinguished by the severity, frequency, and intensity of an individual’s obsessions and compulsions. However, just because someone has obsessive thoughts or behaves compulsively does not mean they have OCD. When someone has OCD, the consequences are often extreme, and their disorder will significantly impact their life. Living with OCD is stressful and time-consuming and can cause massive disruption in an individual’s life.

If you constantly battle intrusive thoughts and feel crippled by how they make you feel and behave, you may have OCD. If these obsessions and compulsions affect your relationships, work, and overall wellbeing, it is crucial to seek professional help.

At New Vision Psychology, our team of compassionate psychologists will provide a thorough assessment to help determine if it is OCD you are struggling with. We are here to support you and provide an appropriate treatment plan to help manage and overcome the challenges of living with OCD.

Can obsessive-compulsive disorder be cured?

While there is no definite cure for obsessive-compulsive disorder, with professional treatment and proper support, it is a manageable condition. Through therapy, people living with OCD see substantial improvements in their symptoms and their overall quality of life.

Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) will help you understand your symptoms, why you are feeling the way you are, and why you feel the urge to behave compulsively. Our psychologists use these proven therapeutic methods to help clients develop effective coping strategies, reduce the impact OCD has in their life, and work towards a more engaging and fulfilling life.

Everyone’s journey with OCD is different, and progress varies drastically from person to person, so focusing on your own personal experience and receiving regular support is vital. 

Can children develop OCD?

Yes, children can develop obsessive-compulsive disorder, with the symptoms often emerging during the later years of childhood and into early adolescence. In fact, it is very common for the effects of OCD to show themselves within this period.

Recognising the signs of OCD in children at a young age and addressing it with care and compassion is crucial. Early intervention and support allows the child to understand their condition and overcome the challenges that it creates. Dealing with OCD as early as possible prevents the disorder from taking control and worsening. Without addressing it early, OCD can affect a child’s development, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

At New Vision Psychology, our team of clinical and registered psychologists are committed to providing compassionate, age-appropriate care for children and adults struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental health conditions. Through personalised support, we are dedicated to helping children and their families understand their OCD, manage it properly, and create a more fulfilling life for themselves.

What are the signs and symptoms of OCD in children?

We understand that it can be difficult to distinguish between normal childhood behaviour and potential symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you notice your child showing signs of OCD, ensure that they receive timely and professional support so that their condition can be managed effectively.

With over 30 clinical and registered psychologists, our team is trained to spot the signs of OCD in children and to treat the condition with empathy and compassion. Below is a list of the most common symptoms of OCD that we see in children. 

• Excessive preoccupation with germs, dirt, or contamination, often leading to repeated handwashing
• Obsession with order, exactness, symmetry, and arranging objects in a specific sequence
• Recurrent intrusive thoughts about violence or aggressive behaviour towards others
• Excessive worry about negative events and potential harm, often leading to feelings of anxiety
• Persistent doubts about safety; frequently checking to see if doors are locked, and appliances are switched off
• Regularly engaging in offensive language or inappropriate and taboo behaviour
• Excessive attention to detail and a compulsive need to know every minor detail
• Difficulty discarding objects, even if they have no apparent value or meaning
• Frequently asking the same questions multiple times and repeating the same words, sounds, or phrases
• Repetitive counting or recounting and grouping of objects

It is important to clarify that just because you notice your child displaying one of these symptoms does not mean they have OCD. This list of symptoms is simply a guideline for parents and something to keep in mind if you are concerned about any behaviour you have observed.  If you are ever unsure whether something you have noticed is a symptom of OCD, please feel free to reach out to us with your concerns, and we can provide some initial feedback and advice about your situation. From there, we can arrange a full assessment and therapy plan if necessary. 

Does Medicare in Australia cover OCD therapy?

Yes – OCD therapy is covered by Medicare in Australia, with a referral from your GP or psychiatrist. Under Medicare regulations, the psychologist you visit must be registered with Medicare. At New Vision Psychology, all our OCD therapists and psychologists are registered with Medicare, meaning you will be covered when you choose our OCD therapy services. 

We are committed to delivering quality, specialised care to as many people as possible. Therefore, we have made the process simple. Firstly, obtain a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP and make an appointment with us. Bring a copy of this plan to your first session or email it to intake@newvisionpsychology.com.au, and this will allow you to claim a Medicare rebate. Medicare covers $93.35 per session with a registered psychologist and $137.05 for a clinical psychologist for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. You will receive the rebate immediately after each session, meaning you don’t have to wait weeks for it to come through.