Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Therapy

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts as well as obsessive or compulsive behaviors that the afflicted person feels driven to perform over and over in a ritualistic manner. Because OCD is an anxiety disorder, the personz feels compelled to relieve the anxiety by performing these rituals to feel better or so that nothing “bad” happens to them or to someone they know. The rituals may differ, by the anxiety remains the same.

We all remember the children’s game “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back.” For people with OCD, this is more than a game. They may really believe that if they step on a crack, something bad will happen to their mother. Or they may be obsessed with counting the cracks. Perhaps this familiar game was invented by a child, since for those who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, it often first develops in childhood.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually has a gradual onset, but it can show up suddenly after an emotional or stressful situation. But the stressful situation is not the cause of the OCD. There is usually a predisposition for the disorder.

What is an Obsession?
Obsessions are persistent impulses, ideas, images or thoughts that intrude in a person’s mind. The person having the thoughts feels out of control and this causes more anxiety and distress.

What is a Compulsion?
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or compulsive acts performed in an effort to relieve the anxiety and distress brought on by obsessive thoughts. The anxiety is caused by an inability to cope with stress, such as social anxiety (also known as social phobia). Counting, repeatedly washing hands, repeatedly checking to be sure doors are locked or appliances are unplugged, repeating a silent “mantra,” cleaning the kitchen sink or floor over and over; these acts are usually done to prevent an imaginary dreaded event or disaster from happening or someone from being “harmed.”

Or they may have an unreasonable fear of dirt and germs. A person may count to 100 cracks in the sidewalk to prevent their mother from being injured. Some hoard. Others feel they must align objects in “perfect” order or in an exact way. A sufferer of trichotillomania (the urge to pull out their own hair) may do so to relieve their anxiety.

More extreme OCD sufferers are disturbed by more violent unwanted thoughts of doing harm to others or an embarrassing sexual act.  The person with OCD never actually acts on these uncomfortable thoughts.

Usually the person with OCD keeps it a secret until it gets to the point of being out of control. When these thoughts and behaviors begin to take over a person’s life by interfering with the quality of their daily living, including their marriage and job, it’s time to get professional help.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment
Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder usually begins with a call to a qualified mental health professional for individual counseling. Talking with a therapist can help you understand if your behavior indicates obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or other anxiety disorder or a symptom of depression. If you recognize yourself or a loved one here, call today and find out how proper treatment can relieve your burden and you can begin living a healthier life.