Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is characterized by persistent unwanted thoughts, images, sensations or urges also known as obsessions that trigger heightened levels of anxiety, distress, discomfort and even disgust. Because these experiences can be so distressful individuals engage in compulsive behaviors, avoidance or rituals in an attempt to get rid of, or control their obsessions and the distress associated with them. This cycle of obsessions and compulsions is often very time consuming and debilitating, preventing the individual from living a full life.

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Symptoms of OCD

• Obsessions: Intrusive thoughts that can cause significant anxiety, such as fears of contamination, harming others, or fears of making a mistake.

• Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or rituals, like excessive cleaning, checking, or counting, performed to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event.

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Common themes of OCD include:​

• Fear of causing harm

• Fear of being harmed

• Fear of contamination

• Experience of extreme disgust

• Concern with body sensations

• Need for symmetry or exactness

• Intolerance for uncertainty

• The repeated cleaning of inanimate objects

• Excessive checking

• Ritualistic counting

• Avoidance of certain places, experiences or things

 

Prevalence:

OCD affects about 1-2% of the population worldwide. In the U.S., the lifetime prevalence is around 1.6%.

 

Onset:

OCD often begins in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, with a mean age of onset between 19 and 25 years.

 

Gender Differences:

It affects all genders, but biological males often show symptoms earlier in life, while biological females may experience a later onset.

 

Causes of OCD:

The exact cause of OCD is not fully understood, but a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Traumatic events, stress, or a family history of OCD can also increase the risk.

 

Co-occurring Conditions:

OCD often occurs alongside other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and tic disorders.

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Impact on Daily Life:

OCD can severely affect daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. Individuals may spend hours each day on compulsions, leading to distress and impairment in personal, academic, or professional areas.

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Diagnosis

• OCD is diagnosed by a mental health professional through interviews and assessments based on DSM-5 criteria.

• Symptoms must be time-consuming (e.g., taking more than an hour daily) and cause significant distress or impairment.

 

Treatment 

• ​​Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Specifically, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective treatment for OCD. It involves gradually exposing individuals to their fears while helping them resist the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors.​​

• Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to help manage symptoms. They can reduce the intensity of obsessions and compulsions.​​

• Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand the challenges of OCD can provide valuable support and encouragement.

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If one or more of the above symptoms are present for you, please know you don't have to suffer and treatment is available. We specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention which research shows it provides the best results for the treatment of OCD. Exposure therapy is tailored to meet your own individual needs and so we provide in office exposure, as well as outside of the office and home visits.