Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition most often described as being characterized by recurring and intrusive thoughts, sensations, images, feelings, or urges (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions), performed in an attempt to get quick release from the tension the obsessions cause. OCD symptoms are different for each person who has the disorder. It can cause significant uneasiness or agitation, interfere with daily life, and may feel like you are being singled out to be punished. From the outside people with OCD can look “controlling,” narcissistic, selfish, and unloving. What is actually happening is the person with OCD is trying to take care of themselves, and to feel better by finding relief from chronic discomfort.

OCD is a chronic condition which means it can be a life-long problem, a reflection of how your specific brain grew. Repeated studies have shown that you can feel some degree of relief from symptoms over time. A careful diagnosis is the first step. Because the presentation is varied, can shift over time, and is not disabling for many people, the diagnosis is not always easily arrived at.

Treatment options for OCD

One effective OCD treatment is exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, which teaches you how to identify the urge or pressure associated with your thoughts. Once you know what it is you can begin to decide how you want to respond. ERP prevention techniques like learning to sit with uncertainty can help you alleviate the distress caused by obsessions. This is different from trying to understand where the troublesome thoughts come from.

Doubt is a large component of OCD for most people. Feeling no quite sure that you have done something, for example. Or you don’t trust that something is clean “enough.” It’s the not being sure that is distressing, making you uneasy. You can’t touch it, and it’s difficult to explain to others why you’re uncomfortable.

Medication, usually SSRI antidepressants, are very often also very helpful. When you combine the medication with ERP it’s possible to make quite significant positive changes. I can help you make sense of all this. We will tailor your treatment to your specific needs. I will be teaching you certain skills that will help you feel safe and calm as we explore a life in which you are in charge, no longer a victim of that sinking, shaking jumble of doubt.

How I can help

First, I will listen to you and let you tell me who you are and what you are struggling with. Second, I will wonder underlying conditions, history, and concerns might be contributing to what's in your way. Third, together we will explore the possible answers until we come to what seems a good explanation. Once all that is done we discuss treatment options and what specific skills you can develop. It's an interesting process.