Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
One in every 100 Americans, or one percent of the population, suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is a mental illness that causes obsessions and compulsions in the sufferer. Obsessions are known as unwanted, recurrent thoughts, images, or urges that persist and cause discomfort or anxiety. OCD sufferers view their ideas, images, or impulses as potentially dangerous because they assume there must be some reality to them because they are experiencing them. They do not desire them as a result and act in ways intended to lessen their worry or “undo” their obsessions. Compulsions are what these actions are. Although compulsive behaviors aren’t necessarily logically related to obsessions, OCD sufferers are forced to engage in these actions, temporarily reducing their anxiety but ultimately making it worse.
- Excessive concern with germs
- Repetitive body or hand washing, protracted cleaning routines
- Repetitive ideas without any drive to act regarding hurting loved ones
- Repetitive religious observances, obsession with moral failings or blasphemy
- Perfectionism
- Excessively concerned with symmetry and organization.
- Checking and double-checking, such as making sure that windows and doors are closed and that the oven, lights, and other appliances are turned off
- Preoccupation with math, magic numbers, specific colors, or motion patterns
- Persistent worries that one is not the sexuality or gender they identify with (e.g., if heterosexual, believes they are secretly homosexual despite evidence to the contrary)
- Other compulsions or obsessions that cause extreme distress or interfere with regular living
People with OCD frequently struggle with feelings of guilt and doubt and have a hard time accepting uncertainty or the unknown. OCD is also referred to as the “doubting disorder.” Additionally, they have a more challenging time tolerating experiencing anxiety or distress. They are more prone to give their thoughts or the meaning of their thoughts a significant deal of importance.
Treatment
Did you know that it often takes a person 10 to 15 years to receive an OCD diagnosis? This is because there aren’t enough mental health professionals trained to identify the signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Connected Care Behavioral Health is a mental health specialty practice with the knowledge and resources to provide evidence-based care to OCD patients of all ages, including those with co-occurring mental health conditions. More than 40% of the patients we see are OCD sufferers. The gold standard for treating OCD is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy known as exposure with response prevention (ERP). According to studies, an effective dose of ERP is the first-line treatment for people with mild to moderate OCD. The best initial treatment strategy for people with more severe OCD is a combination of medicines and ERP. Through ERP, OCD sufferers can learn to deal with their anxiety while reducing their compulsions, progressively reclaiming their life from OCD.
An evaluation of your symptoms and psychoeducation regarding OCD and its causes usually come first in treatment. It continues with some cognitive therapy, planning and carrying out different exposures and the related learning processing, putting response prevention and relapse prevention into practice. Additionally, clients will learn coping mechanisms for discomfort and anxiety. When necessary, a significant amount of the treatment also includes parent education and family support. If our clients indicate or desire, we occasionally include elements of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral techniques like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) into the ERP protocol. You are not alone if ERP makes you feel uneasy. The approach is accompanied by therapists, who will perform the exposures throughout the session before giving you practice. Exposures are carried out methodically and gradually. Your therapists will collaborate with you to create tolerated exposures and ensure that you feel as successful as possible throughout the procedure. We strongly believe that ERP is a safe and successful treatment technique and that, with the right amount of medication, you may effectively control your OCD to get your life back. Many of our patients can control their OCD to the point where it does not interfere with their lives and may have contented, successful lives. For further details, please visit our exposure and response prevention page.
We at Connected Care Behavioral Health take pride in treating people with more complex symptoms or presentations. Unfortunately, many individuals struggling with OCD have not been engaged in evidence-based therapy or had a sufficient dose of it. If you or someone you know would benefit from our specialized OCD treatment services, please contact us at 443-219-9236 today!