317. The psychology of OCD

In this episode of "The Psychology of Your 20s," Jemma Sbeg delves into the complexities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a condition she was recently diagnosed with. She aims to demystify OCD beyond common stereotypes, explaining its core components: obsessions and compulsions, and how they manifest in various ways, such as contamination, symmetry, harm, religious/moral fixations, and relationship anxieties. Jemma discusses the neurological aspects of OCD, pinpointing specific brain circuits involved, and addresses the common delays in diagnosis due to societal misunderstandings and the hidden nature of symptoms. She also touches upon treatment options like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), emphasizing that OCD is a treatable condition and encourages listeners to seek professional help if they suspect they may have OCD.