People tend to say they are OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) without really understanding what it involves. Millions of people struggle and may be ashamed to admit it.

If someone has OCD they have obsessive, intrusive and unwanted thoughts. As a way to neutralize these thoughts or reduce their anxiety they engage in compulsive (repetitive) behaviors. The person feels driven to engage in these distressing patterns: which take up a lot of time and reduce their quality of life.

Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions

Obsessions of OCD are recurring thoughts that won’t go away. The person may see images or have urges that are distressing. I’ve had clients who feared they hit a person with their car and didn’t know it. Another feared she was gay, even though evidence did not support that thought. Fear of germs or contamination is a very common obsession. Other clients feared they would hurt someone they love or a family pet. Some people have a rigid schedule, or need things to be extremely orderly. As you can see, these things can be scary and stressful. A key component is that these obsessions cause distress.

Compulsions

These are activities that you feel driven to do in order to neutralize the obsessive thought. If they don’t do these behaviors they fear something bad will happen. People might have certain rituals they engage in to reduce their anxiety. I’ve had client’s say I had to lock and unlock the door until it felt, ‘just right.’ Other people count, or keep checking things over and over. Some wash their hands excessively if they feel they have touched anything dirty. Seeking reassurance is another common compulsion. Again, these behaviors need to take up a lot of time that gets in the way of your life, or cause serious distress.

Interestingly, the compulsion maintains the obsession. The more you avoid your fear, the greater it grows.

If you think you struggle with OCD, I’d highly recommend you see a therapist or a psychiatrist to get help. You don’t have to suffer in silence. There are several types of treatment for OCD

Treatments for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is known to be an effective treatment for several different mental health disorders. Within CBT is a treatment called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). The way ERP works is to gradually expose the client to the feared thought or image, then prevent them from engaging in the behavior to reduce their anxiety.

For example if someone is afraid of germs, you’d have that person touch the floor and not wash their hands right away. They will eventually learn that nothing bad will happen. This can take time and is scary for the person undergoing treatment.

Medication for obsessive compulsive disorder

There are several medications that can help with the obsessive thoughts. Selective Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) are commonly prescribed. These increase the amount of serotonin in the brain and improve mood.

These medications may take a few weeks to be at their peak levels. Everyone is different and it may take a little time to get the proper dosage. In addition, you might need to try a few different medications due to side effects.

I’ve heard clients say that the medications don’t necessarily get rid of all the thoughts, but turns down the intensity of the thought. Thus they are able to go throughout their day and just ignore the negative thoughts that pop into their head.

Combination of therapy and drugs

This is typically the most effective treatment. Methods to reduce anxiety can be taught while the drugs are starting to take effect. Once their dosage is where it needs to be they can better engage in CBT, ERP and other therapeutic interventions.

Mindfulness for obsessive compulsive disorder

Mindfulness teaches you to be in the present moment without judgment. It can help you become aware of being in the here and now. In addition, you can pay attention to your thoughts. Thus it can slow things down and your thoughts can become more manageable.

Lifestyle changes

Changes to your lifestyle can also help with your symptoms of OCD. Below are additional things that will help.

Stress management

People who struggle with OCD say that their symptoms get worse when they are feeling stress. Thus learning how to manage it with relaxation techniques, exercise or hobbies can be beneficial.

Sleep

Most people will say that they just don’t function as well if they aren’t getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep will exacerbate just about any mental health struggle. Even if your mental health is fine, sleep will impact your mood.

Exercise

This is something I recommend to everyone, not just for the physical benefits, but for benefits to their mental health. It is the best thing you can do to decrease anxiety and stress.

Diet

The way we eat can also impact our mood. Eating a healthy diet not only benefits your physical health, but also your mental health.

Support groups for obsessive compulsive disorder

Having a community of like-minded people is very supportive. You feel less alone or isolated. There is no need to suffer in silence. There is help out there for you!

Newer Treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder

Some people do not improve with the above treatments. For those who fall into that category, there is a newer form of treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The FDA has approved this for OCD as well as depression. It works by stimulating nerve cells in your brain with magnetic fields. It is not painful or invasive.

As you can see, people with OCD struggle immensely. If you fall into this category, don’t hesitate to call me at 713-304-6554. We will come up with a treatment plan specifically for you.

Take care,

Debbie