Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms

Millions of people experience some degrees of obsessive or compulsive behaviors or thoughts. Of course, that doesn’t mean that everyone has this disorder.

There are some symptoms that people with OCD often experience. Some of these symptoms include:

• Images they obsess over
• Feelings they obsess over
• Obsessive impulses
• Repetitive thoughts they can’t seem to shake
• Obsessive need to get rid of fears

People who have this disorder may have compulsions, obsessions, or a combination of these. The symptoms may be mild or they could interfere with every aspect of a person’s life. Most doctors will treat people who have OCD with therapy and medications.

Common Obsessions Found in OCD Patients

There is a range of obsessions that someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder might have. Some of these obsessions include:

• Having taboo thoughts regarding religion, relationships, and more
• Fear of contamination from germs
• Needing things to be perfect and in a specific place
• Agitation, anger, explosive temper
• Having aggressive thoughts towards self or others

Common Compulsions Found in OCD Patients

Many compulsions go along with this disorder. Some of the common compulsions that people with OCD often experience include:

• Ritualistic behaviors
• Ordering things in a specific manner
• Excessive handwashing or cleaning
• Repeatedly checking if things are done or correct (ex. Locking the door over and over)
• Compulsive talking or counting

If you are experiencing any of these compulsions and they interfere with your life, we can help.

General Signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Not every habit or ritual is a compulsion. Everyone has some habits or rituals in their life. However, there are some general signs of OCD. Some of these signs include:

• Can’t control behaviors or thoughts
• Spending a minimum of 1 hour every day having obsessive or compulsive thoughts and behaviors
• Don’t feel pleasure or happiness from performing rituals or specific behaviors
• Experiencing problems in life because of these behaviors and thoughts

If you have any of these signs, it could mean you have OCD. You can always get an assessment done to see if you receive an obsessive-compulsive diagnosis.

It is also important to note that some people with OCD have tics. The tics are brief, sudden, repetitive movements. Some examples of tics include repetitive eye blinking, facial grimacing, head jerking, shoulder shrugging, making grunting sounds, or repetitively clearing the throat.

Get Specific Treatment for OCD

If you do receive an OCD diagnosis, it is vital to get treatment. In a treatment program, you can set goals to reduce your obsessive or compulsive thoughts and behaviors. You will work with a therapist to achieve these goals. If the doctor decides you need medications, you may receive an antidepressant prescription to help relieve your symptoms.

Some of the specific treatments that you might receive include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Outpatient treatment (attending therapy sessions 1-2 times every week for 45-60 minutes)
• Intensive outpatient treatment (attend individual and group sessions 3-5 days every week)
• Partial hospitalization (stay in the treatment center during the day for set hours and go back to a sober living home during the evening and night)
• Inpatient treatment (stay in the treatment center 24/7 until the program is over)

The exact treatments you receive can vary depending on the severity of your disorder. People who have mild OCD may only need outpatient treatment. However, those who have obsessive or compulsive thoughts that interfere with their life significantly may require partial hospitalization or inpatient treatment.

Other OCD Treatment Options

Many people have a successful recovery with the treatment options above. If you believe you need OCD treatment, you should first contact our treatment center. We can set up an assessment to see what your diagnosis is and what treatments you may need. After we do this, we can customize a treatment plan.

In addition to the above treatment options, there are some other OCD treatments that you might benefit from, as well. Some of these treatments include:

• Teletherapy (receiving therapy sessions via video meetings)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy
• Combination of alternative therapies

If you have OCD, the doctors and therapists will let you know their treatment recommendations.

Improve Your Life with OCD Treatment

Obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment can be challenging. It requires a lot of determination, focus, courage, and commitment.

We highly recommend having a support network. The network should consist of people you trust. They can be there for you when you need to vent, work through issues, or share your successes.

You can even join support groups for people who have OCD. There are many support groups in local community centers, churches, and other local organizations. You can find support groups online, as well.

Do you recognize any of the symptoms above in yourself in combination with a substance use disorder? If so, Southeast Addiction can help you. Contact us to discuss options for treatment of your obsessive-compulsive disorder today.