What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions are repetitive and persistent thoughts, feelings, sensations or images that are intrusive and unwanted. Obsessions cause anxiety, uncertainty, and discomfort for the person experiencing them and often feel outside of the person’s control.

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts, intended to reduce anxiety or discomfort created by obsessions. Compulsions provide only temporary relief, however, which is why obsessions continue. Compulsions are time-consuming and negatively impact a person’s daily life.

Types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

There are many subtypes or themes of OCD. Some, including (but not limited to):

  • Contamination OCD

  • Symmetry OCD

  • Superstitious OCD

  • Sexual Orientation (HOCD)

  • “Just Right” OCD

  • Harm OCD

  • Pedophilia OCD

  • Post-Partum and Perinatal OCD

  • Moral or Religious Scrupulosity OCD

  • Relationship OCD (ROCD)

  • Emotional Contamination OCD

  • Death/Existential OCD

  • Obsessing about Obsessing/ Meta OCD

  • Hyper-Awareness OCD

  • Hyper-Responsibility OCD

  • Perfectionism OCD

  • Real Event OCD

  • Loss of Impulse control OCD

Diagnosing & Understanding OCD

Although it's common to hear people make comments like, "I'm a little OCD about...", in reality this type of self-diagnosis can cause confusion and harm. Please seek help from a trained clinician who can use the diagnostic criteria in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to make a thorough and accurate assessment.

In my work with clients, I help increase awareness and educate about OCD and how it works. During treatment, I use a common OCD assessment tool, the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) to help create a plan for treatment that's individualized to each person.

How do you treat OCD?

The gold-standard of care and research-based treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). ERP is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which focuses on behavior. ERP helps you face your fears without engaging in compulsions. The goal of ERP is not to get rid of obsessions, but to face the discomfort and uncertainty that they bring. I will support you in increasing your ability to become more comfortable with the uncomfortable.

There are a variety of medications that can help manage OCD as well as help with treatment. If this route may benefit you, I will discuss options in session and refer you to a psychiatrist who can assist with this part of your treatment.