Fears, Phobias and Compulsions

Do fears or constant worries dominate your daily life? Do you experience anxiety attacks with symptoms such as heart palpitations, trembling, dizziness or panic? Do distressing thoughts keep returning or do you feel compelled to repeat certain actions such as checking, arranging or cleaning?
Anxiety, phobias and compulsions can significantly restrict everyday life and cause considerable distress. The University Psychiatric Clinics (UPK) Basel offer effective treatments to help you regain confidence and manage daily life more easily.

Anxiety acts like a natural “alarm system” that helps protect us in dangerous situations. However, when this system reacts too strongly or too often, even without real danger, an anxiety disorder may develop. Some people also develop compulsions, such as repetitive thoughts or rituals, to temporarily reduce anxiety. This condition is known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Anxiety and OCD can also occur alongside depression or other mental health conditions.

Our Support

Anxiety disorders and OCD can be treated effectively with psychotherapy. Treatment usually takes place on an outpatient basis, though inpatient treatment is available when more intensive support is needed. Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment. During therapy, you will learn strategies to cope with distressing thoughts, emotions and physical symptoms and gradually reduce avoidance behaviours so you can return to important everyday activities.

Our inpatient team include specialists in medicine, psychology and psychotherapy, nursing and social work, as well as medical-therapeutic services such as art therapy, music therapy, aromatherapy and movement therapy. Each patient receives an individualised treatment plan. Psychotherapy is complemented by additional treatment offers, which can be found on our German page here.

Registration and Information

Departments Specialised in Fears, Phobias and Compulsions

 

Emergency contact