Resources: Anxiety and OCD
Please note that Wingfield Counselling & Psychotherapy Services has no affiliation with any of the sites listed here.
This page will be continually updated.
Anxiety is the experience of a sense/feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. It can show up in the form of distressing thoughts (e.g. overthinking, difficulty concentrating, etc.); emotions (e.g. feeling irritable, worried, afraid, etc.); and/or physical sensations (e.g. chest tightness, muscle tension, frequent bathroom use, etc.)
OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is among the top 10 most debilitating conditions in the world; and is primarily centered around two symptoms: Obsessions, or ongoing and unwanted intrusive thoughts, feelings, images, and/or urges that cause intense fear, anxiety, disgust, doubt, or shame; and Compulsions, or repetitive or ritualistic behaviors that are aimed at relieving the feelings brought up by the obsessions.
The key difference between anxiety and OCD, is that intrusive thoughts are ego-dystonic, meaning that the thoughts and compulsions experienced or expressed are not consistent with the individual's self-perception, meaning the person realizes the obsessions are unreasonable and are often distressed by their obsessions.
Learn More
Research/Articles/Links
General Information
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Very Well Mind on Anxiety: general information about anxiety, as well as links to several blog posts.
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International OCD Foundation: comprehensive destination for resources, research, and support worldwide.
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Anxiety Canada: free resources for children, youth and adults.
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Bookshelf: List of recommend books related to anxiety
Neuroscience of Anxiety
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The Neurological Basis of Anxiety: This article highlights the neuroanatomical changes in the brain/body with stress and anxiety.
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Rhythm of Regulation: along with other resources, this site is aimed at helping people "befriend their nervous system" through a polyvagal approach.
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Research Paper: The Feeling of Anxiety: Phenomenology and neural correlates
OCD and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Related Blog Posts
Information on OCD Subtypes
Tools
Downloadable Worksheets, Meditations
Exposure and Response Prevention
(For Kids) The Coping Cat Workbook
Psychoeducation on over-breathing leading to Panic
Anxiety and OCD
Anxiety and OCD


What is Pure OCD?
