What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) consists of two basic components, obsessions, and compulsions. Obsessions consist of intrusive, irrational, and unwanted thoughts that a person with OCD cannot get rid of. Trying to ignore or avoid these thoughts induces intense anxiety or distress. As a way to control these obsessive thoughts, a person with OCD will perform compulsive rituals such as counting or checking (and double-checking) something, arranging or hoarding things, or repeated handwashing. Someone with OCD feels an uncontrollable urge to complete these rituals, usually repeatedly, in order to relieve the anxiety produced by the obsessive thoughts, though the relief is only temporary. These obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors usually exist for someone with OCD for more than an hour a day and interfere with his or her daily life.
Treatment for OCD
OCD is usually treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy will typically utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which will help a person with OCD change their thoughts and thus reactions to situations, minimizing the intrusive and obsessive thoughts and the compulsive behaviors and rituals. The most commonly prescribed medications to treat OCD are anti-anxiety and antidepressants.
Talk to a mental health professional to help guide you on how treatment can help. Avenues of Counseling and Mediation, LLC has locations in Medina and Akron, Ohio. In both offices, we have many Counselors who specialize in working with people struggling with OCD.