Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people.
In addition, it’s often misunderstood; OCD is sometimes incorrectly used as a stand-in term for perfectionism, but this characterization doesn’t accurately reflect its complexities.
We know that OCD is different from perfectionism, but what is it? Furthermore, what is the best treatment for OCD and where can you go to receive effective OCD treatments? We answer all of these questions in the sections below.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition characterized by intense, intrusive, and obsessive thoughts followed by compulsive behaviors. These two types of symptoms are categorized as obsessions and compulsions. In some cases, people with OCD primarily or exclusively experience obsessions or compulsions, but these symptoms usually go hand-in-hand.
Everyone’s OCD is different in its focus and the way the symptoms manifest themselves. However, there are numerous common obsessions and compulsions that many people with OCD experience.
Different Types of OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder has several different subtypes, including:
- Organization-focused: This type of OCD is characterized by obsessions about items being put in their correct places and maintaining a sense of order.
- Contamination-focused: This type of OCD manifests in the form of a preoccupation with germs and the idea of contamination.
- Rumination OCD: This type of OCD is sometimes called “Pure O” OCD. It’s characterized by obsessions without any visible compulsions that follow them.
- Harm-focused OCD: This type of OCD’s primary symptoms are an obsessive fear of harm and compulsively performing safety checks.
Each of these types of OCD has its own distinct set of obsessions and compulsions. In addition, the manifestations of these OCD types can vary from person-to-person. Everyone experiences OCD differently.
Main Symptoms of OCD
The main symptoms of OCD are obsessions and compulsions. Below is a brief explanation of both of these overarching OCD symptom categories.
Obsessions
Obsessions are intrusive thoughts about a certain subject. If you deal with OCD, these are the thoughts that you struggle to “tune out” throughout your day. They’re invasive, persistent, and troubling.
Compulsions
Compulsions are the actions that a person with OCD performs in response to their obsessions. Compulsions become powerful when a person with OCD begins to believe that they are the keys to safety, security, and quieting obsessions.
Our Treatment Options for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
We offer caring, comprehensive care for people dealing with OCD. When you stay with us for inpatient treatment, our team of experienced mental health professionals works alongside you to help you conquer your OCD symptoms and manage them once you go back home.
What to Expect From Our Treatment Program for OCD
When you enter our treatment program for OCD, you can expect consistent support from our skilled team. You can also count on effective therapy designed to target the root causes of your OCD and strengthen your brain to become less dependent on compulsions.
Why Choose Us
At This Way Out, we’re passionate about helping people live well with OCD. We have a highly-trained staff with a compassionate mindset who are dedicated to providing the best possible care. That’s what sets us apart and makes us the best choice for your inpatient OCD treatment.
Get The Best Treatment for OCD Today
If you need help addressing and managing your OCD symptoms, we’re here for you. At This Way Out, we offer inpatient treatment for OCD that equips you to live a life that isn’t controlled by your obsessions and compulsions.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About OCD Treatment
What are the most effective treatments for OCD?
It’s important to note that OCD, like many other mental health conditions, isn’t considered curable. However, there are several research-backed treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Therapy and medication are often used in tandem to treat OCD. Two of the most effective forms of therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBD) and exposure and response prevention (ERP). The best treatment for OCD is often one or a combination of these therapeutic techniques.
CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on the root causes of a mental health condition like OCD. In CBT sessions, you and your counselor will work to identify the thought patterns and mindsets that led to the development of your OCD. From there, you can work together to replace negative thought patterns with ways of thinking that are grounded in reality and uninfluenced by OCD.
ERP, on the other hand, is a form of therapy where the client is exposed to the triggers of their OCD but prevented from performing their compulsive response behaviors. This type of therapy can help to break the vicious cycle of OCD by helping you realize that you don’t need your compulsions to keep you safe or stable.
In addition to therapy, mental health professionals often recommend selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of OCD. These medications help your brain produce adequate amounts of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates your mood and can impact the severity of OCD symptoms.
How long does it typically take for OCD treatment to be effective?
Even the best treatment for OCD takes time to work. Therapeutic techniques like CBT and ERP typically start to yield major results after several weeks. These treatments for obsessive compulsive disorder may take time, but they’re some of the best and most reliable forms of obsessive compulsive disorder therapy out there.
In addition, prescription OCD treatments like SSRIS can take several weeks to show results as well. These medications can sometimes have side effects, which is why it’s wise to stay in touch with your psychiatrist throughout the treatment process.
Are there alternative or complementary treatments for OCD?
In addition to the obsessive compulsive disorder OCD treatments listed above, there are also alternative treatments for obsessive compulsive disorder that are worth mentioning.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an alternative OCD treatment that has gained traction in recent years. This noninvasive procedure is thought to improve OCD symptoms by inducing an electric current in the parts of the brain most significantly affected by OCD.
Is it possible to cure OCD, or is it only possible to manage symptoms?
Sadly, OCD does not have a known cure. However, it is certainly possible to effectively manage the symptoms of this mental health condition and live well after receiving a diagnosis.
If you’re struggling to manage your OCD symptoms, the compassionate mental health professionals at This Way Out can help. Contact us today to find out more about what we can do for you.