Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which you have unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations (obsessions) that make you feel involuntarily driven to do something repetitively (compulsions). The repetitive behaviors, such as hand washing, checking on things or cleaning, can significantly interfere with your daily life, employment and social interactions.

Many people have intensely focused thoughts or repeated behaviors, but these thoughts and behaviors do not disrupt daily life, and may add structure or even make tasks easier or more organized. If you have OCD, your thoughts are persistent and unwanted, and create rigid routines and behaviors. For a person with OCD, trying to refrain from doing them causes great distress.

Many people with OCD know that their obsessions are not true or irrational. Others think they could be true, despite evidence to the contrary. Even if you know your obsessions are not true, if you have OCD, you have a hard time keeping your focus off of the obsessions or stopping the compulsive behaviors altogether, even as the thoughts and behaviors begin to significantly interfere with your personal and professional life.

A diagnosis of OCD requires obsessions and/or compulsions that are time-consuming (more than one hour a day), cause major distress, and impair work, social or other important functioning. About 1.5% of Americans have OCD, and slightly more women than men are affected. OCD often begins in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood; the average age symptoms appear is 19 years old.

Successful, comprehensive treatment is possible for the obsessions and compulsions of OCD. A holistic approach, including neuroscientific treatments, group and individual therapies, and medication management, form a powerful therapeutic approach to combating this debilitating illness. If you have OCD, you may feel helpless and overwhelmed, at the mercy of your obsessions and compulsions. The treatment team at Awakenings can help.

Reach out for support and begin a journey toward relief from OCD today. Call Awakenings and begin your healing with us: 855-717-3268