Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts, ideas, or sensations (obsessions) that drive individuals to perform repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) in an effort to reduce the anxiety or distress caused by the obsessions. People with OCD often experience significant impairment in their daily lives as a result of their symptoms.

How do I know if I might have OCD?

There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have OCD. Some of the most common include:

• Recurrent, persistent, and unwanted thoughts, impulses, or images (obsessions) that cause anxiety or distress.

• Repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that the person feels driven to perform in response to the obsessions.

• The compulsions are intended to prevent or reduce anxiety or distress, but are not realistically connected to the obsession, or are excessive.

• The obsessions and compulsions take up a significant amount of time (more than one hour a day) and cause significant impairment in daily life.

What are some examples of obsessions?

• Fear of contamination

• Fear of harming others

• Unwanted sexual or religious thoughts

What are some examples of compulsions?

• Excessive cleaning

• Counting

• Checking

What is the treatment for OCD?

Therapists at Therapy Unlocked treat OCD with a variety of these effective approaches:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - A type of therapy that helps individuals learn new ways of thinking and behaving to reduce the severity of their OCD symptoms. One component of CBT for OCD is called exposure and response prevention (ERP), which involves gradually exposing individuals to the things they fear and teaching them how to resist the urge to perform compulsive behaviors.

• Eye Movement Desensitization Repossessing (EMDR) - This therapy approach uses a technique that involves ‘bilateral stimulation’ to free you from emotional pain from disturbing memories that may be triggering your depression.

• Medication Management - Antidepressant medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed to help reduce symptom of OCD. these medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps regulate mood and anxiety.

• A Combination of Therapy and Medication - Combing both therapy and medication can provide even better results than either treatment alone, as they address different aspects of the disorder.

• Other specialized therapies like Mindfulness-Based CBT, and EMDR can also be effective in treating OCD.

It is important to note that the treatment that works for one person may not work for another, so it may take some time and experimentation to find the right treatment plan for you.

I think might have OCD, what now?

If think you are experiencing several of the symptoms listed above on a consistent basis, and they are interfering with your ability to function in your daily life, reach out to us at Therapy Unlocked to set up an appointment. You can call us at 512-993-2995 or schedule an appointment online. One of our therapists can help you determine if you may be experiencing OCD, and provide you with appropriate treatment options.