Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Learn about OCD and Evidence-Based Treatments
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person experiences intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feels driven to perform certain behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) to reduce the anxiety those thoughts create.
OCD is often called the “doubt disorder” because it causes a person to constantly question and second-guess themselves, asking endless “what if?” questions.
“What if?” thought cycles can become so overwhelming that a person starts to become highly dysregulated due to the influx of anxiety. The high intensity distress leads to a compulsion(s) to try and get a brief moment of relief, but this relief is always temporary. The intrusive thought comes back creating urgency and discomfort, and the cycle of compulsion(s) restart again. These cycles can last for a brief period of time all the way to consuming the persons entire day.
OCD Origins & Treatment
How does one develop OCD?
How OCD develops is still an area of active research, though we know a bit about its onset. For example, we know that it runs in families - one study found a 40-60% heritability among twins - and we know that it affects the physical brain structure. A large part of OCD also appears to be environmental, though more studies are necessary to tease out the different factors. To learn more about OCD research visit IOCDF.org
What does treatment look like?
Even though research is not clear on the causes of OCD, there is plenty of evidence for effective treatments, allowing people to live a full life with OCD.
The first line treatment is called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that specifically focuses on decreasing fears and eliminating compulsive behaviors.
In our work together, we will identify a “fear hierarchy” and work on different exposures to the fear. This will re-teach the brain that it can tolerate discomfort, while not performing compulsions. Over time, the fear becomes extinguished and you feel confident and empowered to navigate OCD.
I also commonly use additional therapy modalities to support ERP and help you on your road to reclaiming peace and joy. These modalities are also backed by scientific research for treating OCD and other anxiety-related disorders.
Common Myths
Compulsions are always visible
It is common for the media to portray compulsions as outward visible behaviors, which often leads to people thinking that you only have OCD if there is a visible action, such as checking locks or turning the lights on and off.
Fact: Someone living with OCD can have covert and overt compulsions. Covert compulsions are mental acts, such as ruminating, counting, or prayer, while overt compulsions are observable physical behaviors, like hand washing, organizing items in a particular order repeatedly, or cleaning surfaces repeatedly
An intrusive thought is what you truly believe
Intrusive thoughts create a high level of distress and often lead to people feeling deeply disturbed as the thoughts often attack the people and things that they care most about.
Fact: Intrusive thoughts are ego dystonic - they go against your morals and beliefs - which is why they are so distressing in the first place. The opposite are ego syntonic thoughts - they are in line with your morals and beliefs. One of the main outcomes of ERP treatment is learning how to disengage from ego dystonic thoughts.
Compulsions are necessary to alleviate anxiety
“If I don’t do this compulsion my anxiety will never go away!”
I hear this often within the therapy room, but it isn’t actually true!
Fact: When an intrusive thought occurs, anxiety increases, and a compulsion is performed to try and alleviate the anxiety. In some circumstances, the anxiety will be relieved for a brief moment, before it comes back. This process is what we call the OCD cycle - people often go round and round through the cycle for that short period of relief. Therapy will teach you how to disengage with the obsession, tolerate discomfort, and create new neural pathways to learn that you are safe without performing a compulsion.
OCD will keep you trapped for life
OCD can be overwhelming, loud, and terrifying all at once. This often leads people to believe that it’s inescapable and they cannot live a life of freedom.
Fact: When receiving the appropriate therapy, you can quiet the noise and live a fulfilling, present life. Therapy will help you regain the driver seat and put OCD in the back.
This service is ideal for…
Individuals seeking relief from OCD
Those willing to engage in exercises outside of session
First time or a refresher in ERP treatment
Potential benefits include…
Relief from obsessions and compulsions
Freeing up mental space to have more energy
Living life with a present mindset
FAQs
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