Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is sometimes called the "doubting disease," as sufferers often feel plagued by doubts and uncertainties. There are different types of OCD—some common examples include Checking OCD, Contamination OCD, Rumination OCD, and Religious OCD—but the good news is that all types share common features, and therapy can help begin to address the condition.

OCD is often misunderstood and can be difficult to recognize. People who have never experienced it may associate OCD only with behaviors popularized in TV shows, such as extreme organization or strict routines. While these can be traits for some, OCD can also present in ways that don't fit these familiar clichés. It's worth discussing your experiences with a therapist to get clarity.

People with OCD tend to have intrusive thoughts that feel highly significant. Simply having the thought can provoke distress—"Why did I think that? What does it say about me?" To manage the anxiety these thoughts produce, a person with OCD may perform compulsions, or rituals, intended to neutralize the perceived danger. Paradoxically, these compulsions can reinforce the sense of threat, creating a cycle that is hard to break.

OCD can be very debilitating, but help is available. Therapy can guide you toward breaking this cycle and regaining control over your thoughts and life.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a mental health condition that involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce the anxiety caused by these thoughts. Many people with OCD recognize that their thoughts and behaviors are excessive, but feel unable to control them.

Common features of OCD

• Obsessions: intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that are difficult to ignore. These often involve fears of harm, contamination, or moral concerns.
• Compulsions: repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety or prevent feared outcomes. These can include checking, washing, counting, or repeating actions.

OCD can interfere significantly with daily life, making simple tasks feel overwhelming and consuming a great deal of time and energy.

Why therapy helps

Effective treatment for OCD usually involves therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Therapy focuses on:

• Understanding your obsessions and compulsions
• Learning to tolerate the anxiety without performing compulsions
• Developing strategies to reduce the impact of OCD on daily life

OCD can feel isolating, but recovery is possible. Working with a trained therapist can help you regain control, reduce symptoms, and improve your quality of life.