317. The psychology of OCD

In this episode of "The Psychology of Your 20s," Jemma Sbeg discusses her recent diagnosis of OCD, aiming to demystify the condition beyond common stereotypes. She shares her personal journey to diagnosis, highlighting how OCD's symptoms were initially mistaken for general anxiety. Jemma explains the core components of OCD—obsessions and compulsions—and the often misunderstood nature of intrusive thoughts. She explores various categories of OCD, such as contamination, symmetry, harm, religious/moral, and relationship-focused obsessions, emphasizing the vastness of the condition. The episode also delves into the neurological aspects of OCD, focusing on the corticostriatothalamocortical loop, and discusses treatment options like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Jemma encourages listeners to become informed advocates for their mental health, sharing resources and emphasizing the importance of finding the right professional support.