OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition in which a person has uncontrollable, recurring, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and/or behaviors (compulsions) they have an unavoidable urge to perform repeatedly.

With OCD, the obsessive thoughts are usually coupled with intense negative feelings, such as fear, disgust, uncertainty, and doubt that cause extreme anxiety, which then interfere with the person’s ability to function. There are many common themes of obsessive thoughts, including sexual, religious, perfectionism, death, and fear of contamination, violence, or responsibility.

People with OCD may engage in compulsive behaviors in an attempt relieve the distress caused by the obsessive thoughts. They believe ritualistic behavior is necessary to prevent negative consequences. Common compulsions include excessive washing/cleaning, checking, counting, repeating, or cancelling/undoing actions, or putting things in order.

The American Psychiatric Association has created this short video to answer the question: What is OCD?

To see more videos about OCD, please check:

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) - causes, symptoms & pathology

What Treatments are Available for OCD?

Seventy percent of people with OCD benefit from treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy and/or psychiatric medications (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) have been proven to be the most effective treatments for OCD. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps to change a person’s behaviors and thoughts. With CBT for OCD (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) / Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Consistently, CBT/ERP) a person with OCD can regain self-confidence by facing their fears and learning skills to control their thoughts and actions.

At Neuro Behavioral Center, we offer the following treatment options for OCD.