Anxiety & OCD Treatment | The LikeMind Lounge | Launceston

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is often so much more varied than just wanting things in order or having a fear of germs. There are many sub-types that involve experiencing unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that can feel upsetting, disturbing, or impossible to ignore. These thoughts often trigger strong anxiety, fear, doubt, or a sense that something is “not right.”

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To cope with this distress, people with OCD may feel driven to do certain things - such as checking, cleaning, repeating actions, asking for reassurance, or mentally reviewing - to try to feel safe or calm. These responses can bring short‑term relief, but over time they tend to keep OCD going, making the cycle stronger and more exhausting.

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The most effective, evidence‑based psychological treatment for OCD is called Exposure and Response Prevention (EARP).

EARP works by:

• Helping you gradually face things that trigger OCD anxiety (exposures).

• Supporting you to resist the urge to do compulsions (response prevention).

• Teaching your brain, through experience, that anxiety can rise and fall on its own and that feared outcomes don’t occur - or can be tolerated if they do.

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Medication (most commonly SSRIs) can also be helpful for some people, either on its own or alongside therapy.

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​Panic and anxiety can feel intensely overwhelming, even when there is no real danger present. During panic, the body’s fight‑or‑flight system activates suddenly, leading to physical sensations such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest tightness, or a fear of losing control. For some people, these don't become a bigger issue, however many people begin to fear the symptoms themselves and try to avoid anything that might trigger them. Over time, this can lead to on-going suffering and restrictions in daily life.

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Effective treatment for panic and anxiety focuses on helping the nervous system relearn that these sensations are safe and tolerable. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure‑based approaches are well‑supported treatments. These may include gradual exposure to feared situations, sensations, or internal bodily cues (interoceptive exposure), alongside learning more helpful ways to respond to anxious thoughts. Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety completely, treatment helps people build confidence in their ability to cope with it and allow it to pass naturally. Medication, such as SSRIs, may also be helpful for some people as part of a combined approach.