What is OCD?

OCD is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) that cause distress, impair functioning, and/or take up a substantial proportion of your day (usually defined as at least an hour). Compulsions, behaviors or mental rituals done in response to obsessions, are frequently present, although some people do not experience compulsions with OCD.

Research suggests a genetic predisposition for OCD and it is increasingly thought of as a neurobiological disorder. Many times OCD-like behaviors have been present since childhood and may worsen during times of change or increased stress (e.g., adolescence, parenthood). It can often be difficult for individuals to accept a diagnosis of OCD and commit to challenging obsessions and compulsions.

It is important for clients to realize that many people with OCD experience very distressing, unusual obsessions that can result in a high degree of shame. These can include obsessions about hurting someone or yourself intentionally. Having these thoughts does not make you any more likely to engage in these acts. Clients can be reluctant to discuss these thoughts due to embarrassment and shame. Keeping these thoughts a secret can serve to increase the obsessions over time and it is essential that you try and communicate all obsessions to your provider.

How is OCD treated?

Fortunately, there are effective treatments for OCD. Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy is the most effective for most clients. However, not all therapy is created equal, especially when it comes to OCD. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard for OCD treatment. While therapy might include other components (most notably, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)), some use of exposure is key.

ERP is a collaborative process between the client and the therapist.  After a detailed assessment, specific techniques are introduced in order to interrupt different parts of the obsession and compulsion cycle. It is essential that treatment move at the client’s own pace. Although the process of ERP does elicit anxiety, moving at a gradual speed prevents the process from becoming overwhelming.

My approach

When seeking help for OCD, it is important to select a clinician that has specific training in its treatment.  OCD is a unique anxiety disorder that does not respond to the techniques used for other forms of anxiety. An experienced provider knows how to challenge obsessions and slowly eliminate compulsions.

In addition to working with individuals with OCD, a portion of my practice also includes working with couples in which one partner has OCD and consulting with parents of children with OCD. Having a partner or child with OCD presents unique challenges and it can often be difficult for family members to know how to help and not enable OCD behavior. Sometimes even the best intentions can make OCD worse over time.

I particularly like working with clients with OCD as they are usually very motivated and treatment is highly individualized. Having a clinician that you connect with can help when motivation inevitably decreases at times or clients hit a wall when trying to reduce a compulsion. By far, the best part of working with OCD is seeing clients get better and reclaim aspects of their lives that had been overshadowed by OCD.

If you would like more information about OCD or to schedule an appointment please call us at 612-470-4099 or email us at andrea@dendrinospsychology.com. Click here to contact me directly.