People living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are entangled in a relentless cycle of intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors, which can significantly limit their capacity to enjoy life. OCD is among the most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorders. However, the good news is that, with the help of OCD treatment , people can begin to manage their anxiety and lead full, healthy lives.
Harmony offers specialized mental health disorders treatment for each client’s needs. Our therapists and counselors have extensive training and experience in treating OCD through evidence-based practices. These practices include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and medication management.
Our OCD treatment aims to help clients identify their triggers, develop healthy coping skills, and learn how to manage their anxiety. If you are searching for OCD treatment for yourself or a loved one, call us at 304.410.0082 to learn more about our OCD treatment center.
Understanding OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is categorized as an anxiety disorder. Like other anxiety disorders, people with OCD have an intense or overwhelming reaction to things people who aren’t affected wouldn’t think twice about. There are two significant components of OCD: obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are recurrent, intrusive thoughts or sensations. For example, these can be thoughts of a burglar breaking into a person’s home or dangerous germs crawling over their skin. Compulsions are repetitive actions that people with OCD are compelled to complete due to these obsessions. These behaviors include locking and relocking the front door or devoting an extreme amount of time to cleaning.
Some common fixations people with OCD might experience include:
- Contamination – From bodily fluids, germs, dirt, chemicals, etc.
- Harm – Intentionally doing something that hurts others or failing to be careful
- Losing control – Acting on an impulse to harm themself or others, stealing things, blurting out obscenities or other comments
- Perfectionism – Concern about precision or exactness, evenness, losing or forgetting things
- Religious – Fear of offending God or concern with ethics or morality
- Superstitions – Related to lucky or unlucky numbers, objects, dates, etc.
- Unwanted sexual thoughts – Perverse, forbidden, or aggressive sexual thoughts that cause distress
Obsessing over these thoughts and actions can be profoundly distressing and drastically alter a person’s life. Someone with OCD might have trouble completing daily activities like making breakfast, going to the store, or interacting with others as a result of their obsessions and compulsions. To be considered for a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, a person must be experiencing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior for an hour or more every day. Another critical diagnosis component is that a person with OCD experiences anxiety due to their fixations.
OCD Myths
Over the years, pop culture has established distorted and oversimplified ideas about obsessive-compulsive disorder. People who are meticulous or keep their spaces very clean might sometimes even be heard uttering an apology or explanation to the effect of, “Sorry, just my OCD acting up again.” Many people have routines and are particular about certain aspects of their lives. This behavior is normal.
However, when routines become so disruptive that they interfere with an individual’s daily life and activities, it may be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder. An organized person organizes their desk, but a person with OCD spends so much time and emotional energy fixating on the state of their desk that they may be unable to leave their house to go to work, shop for groceries, or keep in touch with loved ones.
The Symptoms of OCD
The symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder can be traced back to the two primary components of the condition: obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Obsessions and compulsions can look very different from person to person. Fixating on obsessions and compulsions can cause symptoms such as:
- Avoiding triggers
- Constantly seeking reassurance or approval
- Disturbing intrusive thoughts or images
- Extreme concern with order or cleanliness
- Guilt or stress over compulsive behaviors
- Hoarding
- Nightmares
- Panic attacks
- Repeatedly checking things
If you or a loved one is showing any of these signs and symptoms, it might be time to consider seeking our help from OCD treatment.
Causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
OCD is a complex condition. There are a variety of risk factors that make people more or less susceptible to developing OCD. Research suggests that the most prominent risk factors for obsessive-compulsive disorder are genetic and biological.
Genetic Causes
Research involving identical twins and people with OCD relatives suggests that genetic influences substantially increase a person’s likelihood of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, research has not identified a single gene that causes OCD. Instead, there are different versions or alleles of several genes that may contribute to a person’s OCD risk.
Biological Causes
Our bodies rely on several biochemicals to function correctly. Early research suggests that the neurotransmitter serotonin, which also impacts the risk of an individual developing depression or generalized anxiety, may play a role in OCD risk as well.
Environmental Causes
A genetic predisposition towards a specific mental health condition does not necessarily mean it will develop. People who develop OCD can experience environmental factors that impact their mental health. Prenatal weight gain, difficult labor, traumatic events, and abuse are all linked to OCD risk.
Our OCD Treatment
Addressing OCD involves forming a personalized plan with a mental health expert to suit a person’s needs. Treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder might include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy – Talk therapy teaches clients strategies for altering their behavior.
- Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy – This therapy involves exposure to triggers in a controlled environment to alter a participant’s perception of the trigger.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy – TMS is an FDA-approved treatment for OCD and other mental health conditions that involves stimulating certain parts of the brain with magnetic pulses to promote healing.
- Medication – Certain medications can help alleviate symptoms and address the biological roots of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Recognizing your options for OCD treatment is the initial step to putting you on the healing path. If you or someone you love is struggling with OCD, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Advantages of OCD Treatment
Our OCD treatment is an invaluable part of recovery for those struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The program can help individuals:
- Create healthier coping skills
- Gain control over unwanted intrusive thoughts and behaviors
- Manage anxiety and distress levels
With the proper treatment plan, clients can learn to identify triggers better, understand their unique behaviors, and develop skills to confront potential problems in the future. By engaging in a tailored OCD treatment, individuals can experience greater self-reliance and optimism while becoming more socially involved. Don’t hesitate to get yourself or someone you care about the help they need.
Find OCD Treatment in West Virginia from Harmony
At Harmony, we help people in our communities access life-changing mental health care. We are among the best-established mental health practices in West Virginia. Our services accommodate all types of individuals regardless of age, including couples, young adults, children, and teens. Everyone is welcome here.
We have crafted an array of offerings that will perfectly meet the needs of any person. If you believe you are experiencing an anxiety disorder like OCD, contact us today at 304.410.0082 to learn what our compassionate care providers can do for you.