OCD

Mental Health Services - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder affecting daily living and social life. People living with the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder have uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts or feelings compelling them to repetitively perform behaviors. While they may be aware of their disorder, they struggle from keeping focus from an obsession and preventing performance of their compulsive actions. Not following through with their compulsion can cause them great distress.

Mental Health Services - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Symptoms of OCD

Symptoms of Obssessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Obsessions
    Obsession is characterized by unwanted thoughts repeatedly play out in the mind and result in urges (compulsions) and anxiety. Typical symptoms of obsession include persistent fear of being contaminated with germs, harming oneself or others, a need for symmetry/order, and unrelenting thoughts of a sexual nature.

  • Compulsion
    Compulsion is characterized by behaviors that are repetitively acted upon because of persistent thoughts (obsession). Symptoms may include repetitive checking, counting, cleaning, handwashing and ordering. Additionally, compulsion can present as a tic disorder which are repetitive, brief, sudden movements or vocal noises.

Treatment for OCD

Treatment Options for OCD, provided by Omega Health Services

Although there is no cure, there are promising treatments that can effectively offer relief to someone with OCD. A mental health professional may choose to treat OCD using psychotherapy, medication or a combination of the two.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an extremely effective form of treatment focused on training to reverse a habit. It can greatly minimize or totally eliminate Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder when medication alone does not help. Using treatment of Exposure and Response Prevention, a therapist can help empower someone with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to say no to undesirable urges

Medication

SRI (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), antipsychotic medications may be used to help reduce OCD symptoms.

It’s important to remember that what works for one person might not work for another. With some time, effort, patience and guidance from a mental health expert, someone suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can help manage urges and regain control of their life.