Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is actually one of
the anxiety disorders. It is more common than people might
realize, currently affecting 1 in 50 people, and perhaps
double that amount have had it at some point in their lives.
OCD was formerly considered untreatable, but with the advent
of more contemporary approaches to therapy, and behavioral
therapy in particular, those who suffer OCD are now able
to achieve lasting relief, with the ability to manage their
symptoms.
Each person with OCD presents with their own combination
of symptoms. Obsessions may occur in combination with compulsions,
or without, as in "pure O." Obsessions are unwanted,
or intrusive thoughts or media that are distressing and
extremely difficult to suppress or eliminate. They often
consist of themes, such as the fear of having made a mistake,
of having hurt or contaminated someone, of having touched
something that is contaminated, and other thoughts or media
that make one feel worried, upset or anxious. These thoughts
are recognized as unrealistic or irrational, and perhaps
even bizarre, yet they persist as the person dwells on them.
Some people liken them to mental hiccups, as the brain repeats
these thoughts over and over, like a broken record. OCD
has often been thought of as the "doubting disease,"
referring to the self-doubt that takes hold, causing the
person to seek reassurance.
One form of reassurance may come in the form of compulsions.
Compulsions are unwanted, repetitive behaviors or rituals
that are performed in order to reduce anxiety. They are
disruptive to the flow of a person's life, and can be quite
time consuming. Although the person typically recognizes
these behaviors, such as checking, washing, or hoarding,
as being excessive, he or she feel compelled to engage in
them. Resisting or overcoming these behaviors is extremely
difficult. The behaviors are intended to prevent something
bad from happening (illness, danger, etc.), but they are
out of proportion, unnecessary, or essentially meaningless.
OCD occurs on a spectrum from mild to severe, and moderate
to severe expressions are quite disabling if left untreated.
Even mild forms are irritating to the person and interfere
with one's peace of mind and comfort. In addition to the
embarrassment or shame a person may feel as a result, symptoms
of OCD can impose significant limitations on a person's
range of activities or productivity, at work, school or
even in the home. For these reasons, quality of life is
negatively impacted.
What many OCD sufferers don't realize is that this problem
can be well managed. With proper treatment, a high proportion
of those with OCD can minimize their symptoms, and regain
control of their lives. Behavioral therapy has been proven
to be the most effective form of psychotherapy to help people
in both significantly reducing symptoms of OCD and achieving
enduring relief.
Help begins with a phone call.
CTA is a network of experienced therapists across the New
York metro area. We strive to match you with the right therapist
for you, to help you to effectively manage OCD symptoms
and control the problem instead of letting it controlling
you. To inquire about an appointment, please call us at
(212) 258-2577.
Keywords: obsessive compulsive disorder, obsessive compulsive,
obsessive compulsive personality disorder, obsessive behavior,
obsessive compulsive disorder treatment.
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