What is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions). People with OCD feel driven to perform these actions to reduce the anxiety caused by their obsessive thoughts or to prevent a feared event from occurring.

Obsessions:

  • Recurrent, persistent, and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges.

  • Common themes include contamination fears, harming others, or doubts about safety. However, each person has thier own unique presentation of OCD.

Compulsions:

  • Repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by obsessions.

  • Examples: washing, checking, counting, or repeating phrases in your mind.

OCD can significantly impact daily life, interfering with work, relationships, and general well-being. The compulsive behaviors, while offering temporary relief, can take up hours of a person’s day and contribute to stress, fatigue, and emotional distress.

Treatment:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

  • A form of therapy that helps individuals challenge and reframe irrational thoughts and break the cycle of compulsive behavior. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specific type of CBT particularly effective for OCD.

Medication Mangement:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft), are commonly prescribed to help reduce OCD symptoms.

Psychological Support:

  • Working with a mental health provider to learn stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and relaxation exercises can be very helpful.

  • Creating and utilizing a support network of friends, family, or support groups can aid in managing OCD.

When to Seek Support:

If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent, distressing thoughts or engaging in repetitive behaviors that interfere with daily life, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. Early intervention can improve the effectiveness of treatment.

Learn about our team of mental health professionals here and book a session today.

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