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What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a complex condition that has two main components:
Obsession
This is made up of uncontrollable and recurring thoughts, ideas, and emotions that drive behavior, despite knowing that the thoughts are unfounded.
Compulsion
This second component is the manifestation of the recurring thoughts where the thoughts become action.
While everyone has recurring or unfounded thoughts from time to time, with OCD, these thoughts and the resulting behaviors become disruptive, placing moderate to severe limitations on a person’s ability to navigate their lives.
OCD affects both men and women equally and the average age of onset is 19, but a quarter of those who suffer from OCD have the full range of symptoms by the age of 14.
What are the signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder?
OCD affects people in different ways, but there are some common characteristics across the board. For example, many people understand that their recurring thoughts have no basis in reality, but the thoughts still come on, prompting them to take action. A classic example of OCD is a fear of germs or contamination, which leads to compulsive cleaning.
Many people who suffer from OCD crave symmetry or order to offset their thoughts, which is an attempt to control their environment and to prevent feelings of discomfort or anxiety that come with a disorderly surrounding.
While there are many ways that people display symptoms of OCD, some of the more common ones include:
- Cleaning
- Repeating words, phrases, or behaviors
- Checking locked doors, ovens, irons, and so on
- Ordering and arranging belongings
Sometimes OCD brings on other disorders, such as hair pulling, skin picking, or hoarding.
How is obsessive-compulsive disorder treated?
Since recurring thoughts are at the heart of OCD, that’s where the team of experts at The Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling & Clinical Supervision start. After sitting down with you or your child to conduct a comprehensive review and evaluation, your therapist devises a treatment plan that will target the thoughts that lead to compulsive behaviors, To do this, they use:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Habit reversal training
- Exposure and response prevention
Every person is different so treatment plans may vary. Rest assured, the therapists work exhaustively to find a solution that delivers long-lasting relief from OCD.
To take back control of your life, call The Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling & Clinical Supervision or request a consultation online.
