Did you know that the prevalence rates of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Singapore are some of the highest? According to the 2016 Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS), about 1 in 28 adults in Singapore will experience OCD at some point in their lives.
Despite how common it is, OCD is still surrounded by misunderstanding and, unfortunately, misdiagnosis. That’s why we’re here—to demystify what OCD really is.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by persistent, intrusive thoughts, urges, or images—known as obsessions—that often feel overwhelming and unwanted. To manage these obsessions, individuals with OCD engage in repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) that they believe will reduce their distress or prevent something bad from happening, even if these actions aren’t logically connected to reality. Unfortunately, this cycle can take a toll on daily life, affecting relationships, work, school, and the ability to complete everyday tasks.
Not just obsessive cleaning
OCD has been narrowly represented in the media, leading to the misconception that OCD is synonymous with one’s preoccupation with cleanliness or tidiness. While these are common manifestations, OCD symptoms are far more diverse. It can also appear as constant checking for safety, such as repeatedly ensuring the car door is locked, or health-related obsessions, like frequently examining your body for signs of illness. Additionally, OCD can involve religious fears, taboo thoughts, or an overwhelming need for order.
Do I have OCD?
If you’ve googled “How to know if you have OCD” at some point, you may be familiar with these OCD symptoms in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which healthcare professionals use to diagnose mental health conditions.
- The obsessions or compulsions take up more than an hour each day.
- They cause significant distress or interfere with social, occupational, or other crucial areas of functioning.
- They are not a direct result of substance use or other physiological effects.
- They cannot be better explained by another mental health condition.
OCD often coexists with other mental health conditions, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Research shows that about 75.8% of people with OCD also experience one or more anxiety disorders in their lifetime. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) also frequently accompanies OCD, making OCD symptoms more intense and recovery more challenging.
As such, rather than Googling OCD symptoms and self-diagnosing, it’s best to consult a professional. (Only clinical psychologists and psychiatrists can provide an OCD diagnosis in Singapore.)
OCD diagnosis in Singapore
At Intellect Clinic, the initial evaluation for OCD takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. During this process, our clinical psychologists will use the DSM-5 and a range of standardised tools. These include the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and its Symptom Checklist, as well as self-report measures like the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory – Revised (OCI-R) and the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS).
On top of these OCD tests, your clinical psychologist might also conduct brief interviews with family members or others close to you—only if you’re comfortable with it. Should there be a need to rule out any underlying medical or neurological conditions, they might also recommend further tests or scans.
The assessment costs $230 (Singapore dollars) and the report will also assist your clinician in monitoring OCD symptoms and developing an effective OCD treatment plan.
OCD treatment in Singapore
Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, your clinician will craft a personalised treatment plan, incorporating evidence-based OCD treatments such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), often used in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
1. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is a cornerstone of effective OCD treatment, with substantial symptom reduction seen in many cases. Research shows that response rates frequently exceed 60%, with many individuals experiencing significant, meaningful improvements.
An ERP intervention is gradual exposure, which involves confronting feared thoughts or situations while preventing the use of compulsions with the support of a trained clinician. The goal here is to learn that you can tolerate the distress triggered by obsessional cues without resorting to compulsions.
For example, if you find yourself obsessively cleaning your phone with wet wipes because you’re worried about bacteria and getting sick, your clinician might help you create a plan to gradually face your fears. This plan, known as an exposure hierarchy, involves starting with less intimidating tasks, such as watching a video of someone eating with their hands right after using their phone, and gradually working up to more challenging situations.
Some of these tasks may sound overwhelming, and it’s perfectly okay to feel uneasy about them. At Intellect Clinic, your clinician will be by your side every step of the way, coaching you through the distress that arises.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is considered the gold standard of OCD treatments. Research shows that CBT leads to remission in about 59.2% of cases post-treatment, with 57% maintaining improvement at follow-up.
One key component of CBT is cognitive restructuring. This technique helps you identify and challenge irrational thoughts and fears, replacing them with more balanced perspectives.
For example, if your condition causes feelings of guilt and shame, your clinician might help you reframe these emotions by recognising that your obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours are symptoms of a disorder, not indicators of personal failure. By acknowledging that these thoughts and behaviours do not reflect your true intentions and values, you can alleviate the emotional burden associated with OCD.
Note: If medication is required, we may refer you to a partner psychiatrist within Intellect Clinic’s network. In such cases, some treatment sessions may take place at their clinics.
Learn to manage OCD at Intellect Clinic
At Intellect Clinic, we practise evidence-based treatment and tailor intervention plans based on individuals needs and differences. Our clinicians utilise an eclectic therapeutic approach to address your presenting issues related to OCD symptoms as well as emotional difficulties.
50-minute sessions with our counsellors and clinical psychologists are priced at $160 and $240 (Singapore dollars) respectively, and we offer appointments at our clinics in Marina One, Tanjong Pagar, Woodleigh, and Tembeling. If medication is deemed beneficial for you, we will refer you to a partner psychiatrist within Intellect Clinic’s network. In such cases, some treatment sessions may take place at their clinics.
Reach out to us today for an appointment in the same week.
