Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can make you feel like you can’t trust yourself. It can feel like a constant war inside your mind between rational thoughts and intrusive, irrational, fear-inducing thoughts. Phrases like “trust your gut” might confuse you, and compulsive thoughts or behaviors could be getting in the way of you living your life. All of this can be incredibly distressing, but you’re not alone, and there is effective treatment that can help.
A mental health disorder, OCD is characterized by two main components: obsessions and compulsions. An obsession is any intrusive, unwanted thought that causes distress. A compulsion is a behavior that routinely follows the intrusive thought and temporarily alleviates the distress.
OCD can be mistaken for anxiety, and while it certainly causes stress and anxiety symptoms, it is distinctly marked by the cycle of unwanted thoughts and compulsions. The intrusive thoughts often revolve around something bad happening or the individual doing something bad, followed by a strong urge to do something to prevent the bad thing from happening. Sometimes the thought and compulsion are connected — for example, washing hands after an intrusive thought about contamination. Other times, they are not connected — worrying that someone not in the home will die if the door is left unlocked, for example.
In addition, OCD has many subtypes. We often see perfectionism-related obsessions and counting rituals portrayed in media, but this disorder can take many forms. Some subtypes of OCD include obsessions related to relationships, responsibility, contamination, and more. The International OCD Foundation has more information on OCD and various subtypes.
Getting Support for OCD
Taking the next steps toward treatment for OCD can feel overwhelming, but taking it one step at a time, no matter how small, can lead to life-changing results. We are here to help make this process simple and guide you along the journey. You can start taking control of your life today.
Although we can take a variety of approaches to treating anxiety, research evidence shows a smaller scope of effective treatments for OCD. When we treat anxiety individually, we use varied therapy approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other therapeutic techniques.
When we work with clients who have OCD, we focus on therapies that have been proven effective for treating OCD symptoms. The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) found that CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) have demonstrated effectiveness in treating OCD across all age groups, even via virtual therapy. As a community of therapists trained in OCD, we believe CBT and ERP to be the best approach for treating the symptoms of this disorder.
If you’re struggling with OCD, you are not alone. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 1.8% of U.S. adults suffer from OCD. Therapy can help you take control again. Our team of compassionate mental health professionals is here to help you overcome OCD and lead a more fulfilling and stress-free life.
If you think that you or a loved one may have anxiety or OCD, please reach out to us at OptimalLife Wellness Center for an assessment and support. Discussing your symptoms and the different types of anxiety with a qualified mental health professional can help you develop perspective, knowledge, and skills for managing your symptoms.
