Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that most people have at least heard of. It is often mentioned casually in phrases like, “Oh, they are so OCD!” However, OCD is a mental health disorder that many do not fully understand. Because of these misconceptions, there is a lot of misinformation about what OCD actually is and what life is like for those who suffer from it.

OCD is characterized by a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. When an obsessive thought occurs, someone will often feel compelled to behave in a certain way. This is to either reduce anxiety or, in some cases, prevent the obsessive thought from coming true.

To better understand how to deal with OCD, let’s first go over the signs of OCD.

What Are Signs of OCD

Obsessions

Obsessions are characterized by thoughts or images that cause significant anxiety and distress. This is not an exhaustive list of obsessions, but these are some of the most common ones.

• An intense desire for order or symmetry
• Excessive fear of germs or contamination
• Distressing thoughts around a variety of topics such as violence, sexuality, and religion that are ego dystonic

These obsessions often instill an intense fear of consequences and worst-case scenario outcomes, causing someone to respond or behave in certain ways to reduce the risk and likelihood of that outcome from happening. The obsession then lends way to specific behaviors and/or mental rituals that are called compulsions. 

These compulsions are meant to stop the intense fear from happening. While the person may know these fears are unrealistic or outside of their control, the anxiety can feel threatening and dangerous. Thus, they develop compulsive behaviors or rituals that help them feel like they are in control over these fears.

Compulsions are varied, but here are some of the most common behaviors:

• Counting
• Constantly cleaning or organizing to maintain order and symmetry
• Hand washing and other hygienic behaviors to prevent germs or disease
• Checking and re-checking 
• Mentally undoing negative thoughts or repeating thoughts in a ritualized manner
• Engaging in repetitive behaviors in a ritualized way to reduce an intrusive thought from occurring or becoming true.

Dealing With OCD

Living with OCD, especially when untreated, can feel like a mountain with many peaks and valleys. While OCD is undoubtedly impairing and can be debilitating in more severe cases, it can be treated and managed.

Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) is THE evidenced based treatment intervention for OCD. By engaging in ERP many individuals with OCD find relief and improve their quality of life.

Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy

Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy is one of the most researched and effective treatments for anxiety-related disorders, including OCD. ERP is based on the premise that by facing the fear (exposure) you will learn that you can handle the discomfort without engaging in the unhelpful coping strategies (response prevention) that include compulsions/rituals and avoidance.

In ERP individuals will work with their therapist to identify the situational triggers of their OCD and create an individualized treatment plan to approach and manage their anxiety. Through ERP individuals reduce avoidance of feared thoughts and situations and start living life in line with their values.

The clinicians at The OCD & Anxiety Center are trained in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy and are experts in OCD. If you or someone you know is suffering from OCD, don’t hesitate to contact us.