Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition. It involves unwanted, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) carried out to reduce anxiety. For many people, OCD can interfere with daily routines, relationships, and overall well-being.
Dr Peter McCann provides private psychiatric assessments and treatment for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of OCD. Whether your difficulties are recent or long-standing, he can offer a clear diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan. Therapy is tailored to your needs and delivered with professional expertise and compassion.
Although OCD can feel overwhelming, effective treatment is available. With the right support, many people are able to reduce their symptoms, regain control, and live more fulfilling lives.
Dr McCann’s Outpatient Psychiatry Service is available both online across the UK and in-person at our clinics in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders. The service includes cognitive therapy aimed at treating the causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and helping patients manage their repetitive behaviours.
He provides intensive outpatient therapy that can be scheduled around your existing commitments to help make your treatment as convenient as possible.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that has been shown to help many people with OCD. It focuses on the thoughts and behaviours you experience in the present. Working together with your therapist, you will learn practical strategies to manage these thoughts more effectively.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is another effective approach. It involves gradually facing the situations or triggers that bring on your symptoms, while practising new ways of responding without returning to old compulsive behaviours.
Please note: we treat adults and young people aged 16+. We do not offer psychiatry services for children under 16.
OCD can take many forms and is not limited to cleaning or checking rituals. It can cause severe emotional distress, even when the behaviours aren't visible to others. Severe OCD can have many negative effects on a patient's life.
OCD often overlaps with other mental health conditions like generalised anxiety disorder, depression, body dysmorphic disorder, and health anxiety. OCD can affect patient's lives in many ways and can impact on our health and wellbeing.
The benefits of effective treatment can include an increased ability to focus on work, improved relationships with family and friends, and more mental energy to focus on your own health and well-being.
Dr McCann provides expert assessment and support, particularly for individuals who:
Treatment for OCD can come in many forms. We help our patients develop strategies for coping with their repetitive behaviours and unpleasant thoughts.
In addition to therapy, Dr McCann can prescribe medications to help manage OCD. These include Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the quality of a chemical messenger called serotonin in the brain. This plays an important role in helping to regulate your mood.
We offer:
Private obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) assessments are conducted by Dr McCann, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director at Castle Craig, who has many years of experience in helping patients overcome their challenges.
What to expect:
With many years of clinical experience, Dr McCann recognises that no two patients are the same. He takes time to understand your individual circumstances and works with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
Psychiatric care is led by Dr Peter McCann, with dual UK/US certifications and expertise in OCD, anxiety, and dual diagnosis.
Dr McCann treats OCD beyond the stereotypes. He provides treatment for different types of OCD, including Pure O, scrupulosity, and rumination-based OCD.
Appointments can be booked easily, with fast access either online or at one of our private clinics.
Dr Peter McCann, MBBS, MSc, MRCPsych, is a mental health professional and the Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director of Castle Craig. Alongside his work in addiction rehabilitation in the Scottish Borders, he brings specialist expertise in treating a range of mental health conditions, including autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder, as well as other complex mental health conditions.
Contact our team to find out more information regarding private medical insurance. Our team is on hand to answer questions and help with anything you may need to provide to your insurer.
We offer flexible appointment options to suit your needs. However you prefer to access support, our commitment remains the same: to provide professional, compassionate, and evidence-based care throughout your treatment journey.
Our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring that your care is tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. We are here to help you or your loved one with OCD, prioritising your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and providing access to treatment that supports lasting recovery.
If you feel you are struggling with a mental illness or mental health challenges you can begin by self-referring through a phone call or email
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If you're unsure about what support you need or if you have any concerns, we're more than happy to assist you. Whether you’re looking for more information about the services, the types of treatments available, or simply need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to get in touch.