Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing distress or preventing a feared outcome. For those affected, the obsessions and compulsions are distressing, time-consuming, and often interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Understanding OCD
Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intense anxiety or discomfort. Common examples include fears of contamination, concerns about causing harm, or an overwhelming need for symmetry and order.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed in response to the obsessions. These actions are aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing a feared event, even though they may not be logically connected to the threat. Examples include excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or arranging objects.
The OCD Cycle
OCD often follows a cycle:
A person experiences an obsessive thought.
Anxiety or distress increases as the thought persists.
The person engages in a compulsion to relieve the anxiety.
Temporary relief is achieved, but the cycle quickly resumes.
The Impact of OCD
Living with OCD can be overwhelming. Obsessions will often attach to things that are important to us, such as relationships, our children, or our morals. The obsessions and compulsions consume time and energy, often making daily activities difficult and straining relationships. Many people with OCD recognize that their thoughts and behaviors are irrational, yet they feel powerless to stop them.
Therapy for OCD
OCD is treatable, and many people experience significant relief through a combination of therapy and medication. We treat OCD using the evidence-based treatment model of Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy. ERP involves gradually confronting feared situations without performing compulsions, helping individuals break the OCD cycle. With the right support, those living with OCD can regain control over their lives and reduce the impact of the disorder on their well-being.