Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Lexington, Richmond & Frankfort KY
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) feel the need to check things repeatedly or perform routines and rituals over and over. To try to control the upsetting thoughts, called obsessions, a person will feel an overwhelming urge to repeat certain rituals or behaviors, called compulsions. People suffering from OCD cannot control these obsessions or compulsions.
Common rituals consist of a need to repeatedly check things, touch things, or count things. People with OCD may also be preoccupied with order and symmetry, have difficulty throwing things out, or hoard unneeded items.
Signs & Symptoms
People with OCD suffer from obsessions, or unwanted intrusive thoughts, that are controlled by compulsions, or ritualistic behaviors and routines to ease anxiety or distress.
Common obsessions include:
- Constant, irrational worry about dirt, germs, or contamination.
- Excessive concern with order, arrangement, or symmetry.
- Fear that negative or aggressive thoughts or impulses will cause personal harm or harm to a loved one.
- Preoccupation with losing or throwing away objects with little or no value.
- Excessive concern about accidentally or purposefully injuring another person.
- Feeling overly responsible for the safety of others.
- Distasteful religious and sexual thoughts or images.
- Doubting that is irrational or excessive.
- Common compulsions include:
- Cleaning — repeatedly washing one’s hands, bathing, or cleaning household items, often for hours at a time.
- Checking — checking and re-checking several to hundreds of times a day that the doors are locked, the stove is turned off, the hairdryer is unplugged, etc.
- Repeating — unable to stop repeating a name, phrase, or simple activity, such as going through a doorway over and over.
- Mental rituals — endless review of conversations, counting, repetitively calling up “good” thoughts to neutralize “bad” thoughts, or excessive praying and using special words or phrases to neutralize obsessions.
In an effort to control the obsessions and complusions, people suffering from OCD generally experience these common symptoms:
- Having repeated thoughts or images about many different things, such as fear of germs, dirt, or intruders; acts of violence; hurting loved ones; sexual acts; conflicts with religious beliefs; or being overly tidy
- Doing the same rituals over and over such as washing hands, locking and unlocking doors, counting, keeping unneeded items, or repeating the same steps again and again
- Unable to control the unwanted thoughts and behaviors
- Cannot get pleasure when performing the behaviors or rituals, but get brief relief from the anxiety
- Spending at least 1 hour a day on the thoughts and rituals, which cause distress and get in the way of daily life.
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
OCD usually responds well to treatment with certain medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of both to help people face situations that cause fear or anxiety in order to become desensitized to them.
A type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavior therapy is especially useful for treating OCD. It teaches a person different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to situations that help him or her feel less anxious or fearful without having obsessive thoughts or acting compulsively. The most common type of therapy for OCD is called exposure and response prevention, which is especially helpful in reducing compulsive behaviors. Doctors also may prescribe medication to help treat OCD. The most commonly prescribed medications for OCD are anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants.
There Is Hope!
OCD treatment can be difficult, and requires a lot of courage and determination. Having a support network to talk to during treatment can make all the difference. Consider accessing a support group or psychologist for more information by calling our office today to set up an appointment.
New Client Info
Show More
Lexington, KY
Darby Creek Location
501 Darby Creek Road
Suite 11
Lexington KY, 40509
Phone:
859-338-0466
Fax:
859-294-0802
All Locations
LIST
MAP
- Darby Creek Lexington, KY 501 Darby Creek Road, Lexington, KY, United States
- Duval Street Location Lexington, KY 1092 Duval Street, Lexington, KY, United States
- Frankfort, KY 105 Diagnostic Dr, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
- 1043 Center Dr, Richmond, KY 40475, United States 1043 Center Dr, Richmond, KY 40475, United States
Recent Posts
Lexington Counseling and Psychiatry Updates
Conflict Resolution and Improving Relationships
Understanding Eating Disorder Treatment and Best Practices
What is therapy?
Therapy is more long-term than counseling and focuses on a broader range of issues. The underlying principle is that a person's patterns of thinking and unconscious awareness affect the way that person interacts with the world. The goal is to uncover those patterns and become aware of their effect and then learn new, healthier ways to think and interact.
