Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that causes disruptive long-term symptoms. People with OCD experience uncontrollable obsessive thoughts and intense compulsions to perform specific behaviors.
Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can impair a person’s daily life. These symptoms can impact their functioning, relationships, health, and more.
Comprehensive treatment plans can help those with OCD improve functioning and quality of life. This article will explore the treatment for OCD. You will learn:
- The symptoms of OCD
- The therapies used to treat OCD
- How to find a therapist to treat OCD
- Where to find comprehensive mental health treatment and support near you
If you or someone you love requires treatment for a mental health condition, you are not alone. Find compassionate, holistic mental health treatment at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule your first appointment.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition. As the condition’s name indicates, OCD causes obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. These symptoms can be distressing and may impact daily functioning. Like other mental health conditions, OCD typically responds to treatment.
The symptoms of OCD can change over the course of a person’s lifetime. Here is an overview of the primary symptoms of OCD.
Obsessive thoughts
Obsessive thoughts are one of the primary symptoms of OCD. Obsessions are unwanted, uncontrollable mental images, thoughts, or urges. Some examples of common obsessions include:
- Wanting things to be in order
- Intrusive thoughts about sexual activity
- Religious thoughts
- Aggressive or violent thoughts
- Thoughts of losing control
- Concerns about losing or forgetting things
- Thoughts of germs or contamination
These and other obsessive thoughts can cause stress and anxiety for people with OCD.
Compulsive behaviors
Compulsions are behaviors that a person with OCD feels compelled or driven to do. People with OCD may perform repetitive actions or “rituals” to alleviate intense anxiety that comes as a result of their obsessive thoughts.
Common compulsive behaviors include:
- Repeatedly “checking” things (to make sure doors are locked, appliances are off, etc.)
- Compulsive prayers, mantras, or other words
- Excessive hand-washing
- Lining things up or arranging things in specific ways
- Counting compulsively
- Excessive cleaning
People with OCD may also exhibit “tics,” including:
- Shrugging or jerking shoulders
- Head movements
- Blinking or eye movements
- Grimacing
- Verbal tics, like clearing the throat, sniffing, or grunting
People with OCD may spend hours a day engaging in these or other ritualistic behaviors. These and other behaviors can affect people’s performance at work or school. They may also have social effects or cause significant distress.
Many people with OCD also have anxiety or mood disorders. Many people receive an OCD diagnosis as children or young adults.
Agape Behavioral Center accepts many private insurance plans
What Therapies Are Used to Treat OCD?
Comprehensive mental health treatment programs can help people manage the symptoms of OCD. People with OCD must work with mental health professionals to find the therapies that work best for them.
Here is an overview of common therapies used to treat OCD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy. It helps people identify the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By recognizing destructive or unhelpful patterns, people can learn skills to change them.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) is a therapy that helps to reduce compulsive behaviors. People experience a gradual exposure to triggers in a safe, controlled environment, allowing them to develop distress tolerance and cut down on time spent engaging in compulsive rituals.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps people to acknowledge and accept complex or challenging emotions. ACT teaches people that ignoring or suppressing emotions can actually make them more powerful. People in ACT therapy learn mindfulness and other skills that allow them to face complicated feelings head-on.
Medications
People with OCD may benefit from taking anti-anxiety medications. These medications may help to reduce the intensity or frequency of OCD and anxiety symptoms. People must work with a medical doctor to find the most effective medications with the fewest side effects.
Contact Agape Behavioral Health to learn more about OCD treatment or to schedule an intake appointment.
How to Find an OCD Therapist
There are several ways to find a therapist who treats OCD and other mental health conditions. You may:
- Ask your medical or mental health provider for a referral
- Search online for local OCD therapists
- Contact your insurance company or research treatment options on their website
- Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists for information about our OCD treatment programs
People with OCD can benefit from comprehensive treatment and support. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the symptoms of OCD or other mental health conditions.
Find OCD Therapy in Fort Pierce
If you or someone you love needs treatment to manage a mental health condition, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral Health treatment specialists to explore your treatment options or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
- JAMA Network: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment
