Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

All of us have habits or patterns of living that make our lives infinitely easier. Our morning grooming routine, for example, repeats itself in just about the same way each day. Think about how chaotic and difficult our lives would be if we didn’t have well-learned habits to rely on and instead had to create a new routine every morning. For the person with OCD, however, this habitual behavior interferes with the smooth flow of everyday living and these habits cause them anxiety and worry.

People with OCD often feel that they are losing their minds, although this is far from the truth. They realize that their thoughts and behaviors might be seen by others as bizarre, so they try to hide these patterns. This part of their lives is led in secret and they try to present themselves on the outside as being as normal as possible. They might feel that no therapist, and certainly no friend or relative, could possibly understand what they experience privately everyday.

It is when the rituals become so time-consuming and the person is no longer able to function on the job or at home that the victim of OCD seeks help. Thus, the number of people with OCD far exceeds the number who actually receive treatment for the disorder. Happily, OCD does not need to be a debilitating life condition. Although there is no cure at this point, the symptoms can be controlled so that OCD need not interfere with normal everyday living.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do habits become OCD?

Everyone has routines. They become OCD when rituals are driven by anxiety, take up large amounts of time, and make it hard to function at work, school or home.

Why do people with OCD often hide their symptoms?

Many people with OCD feel embarrassed or fear others will see their thoughts and behaviors as strange, so they keep them secret. This can delay getting help for years.

What type of therapy works best for OCD?

Cognitive behavioral therapy, particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP), is considered the most effective therapy. It helps people gradually face fears without performing compulsions.

Is medication used to treat OCD?

Sometimes. Certain medications prescribed by a physician or psychiatrist can reduce symptoms and are often used together with therapy.

How do I start therapy for OCD?

Fox Valley Institute therapists treat OCD in children, teens and adults in Naperville and by telehealth across Illinois. Call (630) 718-0717 to get started.

Additional Resources:

https://fvinstitute.com/what-about-depression/

https://fvinstitute.com/understanding-personality-disorders/

https://fvinstitute.com/the-two-faces-of-anxiety/

https://fvinstitute.com/suffering-and-then-recovery/

https://fvinstitute.com/stress-and-anxiety-disorders/

https://fvinstitute.com/social-anxiety-overcoming-shyness/

https://fvinstitute.com/sleep-sleep-disorders

https://fvinstitute.com/resilience-the-ability-to-bounce-back/

https://fvinstitute.com/punctuality-getting-there-on-time/

https://fvinstitute.com/ocd-obsessive-compulsive-disorder/

https://fvinstitute.com/manipulation-in-relationships/

https://fvinstitute.com/a-regular-checkup-is-good-for-the-mind-as-well-as-the-body