Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized as a mental health disorder that impacts around 2 to 3 million adults in the United States (International OCD Foundation, Inc., n.d.). People diagnosed with OCD spend hours of their day engaging in rituals/compulsive behaviors to ease their anxiety triggered by obsessive thoughts. In turn, people will learn to use maladaptive behaviors to gain a sense of control or certainty.
Obsessions are known as having recurrent thoughts, images, or impulses that are intrusive and disturbing to an individual.
Examples may include contamination fear, sexual-related fear, or that “just right feeling”. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors individuals engage in to neutralize, counteract, or prevent an undesired outcome. These may include behaviors like counting, hand washing, or mental compulsions. Compulsions provide temporary relief from the anxiety related to obsessive thoughts. But, compulsions themselves may cause significant distress.
The obsessive thoughts falsely set off your body’s natural alarm system that is there to save us from imminent danger/threat. Our bodies are sent signals to reinforce the responses we use even when there is no potential danger in sight. This cycle begins to affect one’s quality of life as they struggle to engage in social tasks, occupational tasks, and self-care.
Findings have shown Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the most effective OCD treatment, alongside medication treatment.
ERP is a therapeutic treatment intervention that falls under the class of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (International OCD Foundation, Inc., n.d.). ERP has shown promise based on the number of successful recovery rates. Approximately 80% of individuals have improved. The structure of ERP involves having individuals confront thoughts or events that induce anxiety.
Through repeated exposure of one’s thoughts, images, objects, urges, and events, individuals begin to recognize that their uncertainty is tolerable. Then, they will begin to develop adaptive behaviors to end maladaptive coping strategies. Thus, helping decrease their anxiety. This is known as the habituation state. During this state, we confront the anxiety-provoking situation. Thus, ERP helps individuals confront their obsessions and commit to not responding by using compulsive behaviors or thoughts. Through commitment and practice, ERP allows individuals to reclaim their lives. With a therapist, they can work to recognize that their perceived fear is tolerable.
Begin OCD Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
Beverly MHS can help you and your family in case of OCD. We will walk this path together. Our team is happy to offer support from our Los Angeles, CA-based therapy practice. We are also happy to offer support across the state via online therapy. Contact us today to start your therapy journey!
Other Services Offered With Beverly Mental Health Services
OCD treatment isn’t the only service our team offers from our Los Angeles, CA-based therapy practice. We understand you’re a complex person who may need support with various mental health services. So, we are happy to offer support with ADHD treatment, nutrition therapy, depression treatment, and social anxiety treatment. In addition, we also offer bipolar disorder treatment, and self-assessments for depression as well. All of our services are available via online therapy in California. Please feel free to visit our blog or help page for more helpful info today.
Works Cited:
Association, A. P. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (Vol. 5). Arlington, Virginia : American Psychiatric Association.
International OCD Foundation, Inc. (n.d.). International OCD Foundation. Retrieved from What is OCD? : https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/
Set, Gillihan, S. J., Williams, M. T., Malcoun, E., Yadin, E., & Foa, E. (2012). Common pitfalls in exposure and response prevention (EX/RP) for OCD. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 251-257.