Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Help for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder at Lukin Center Expert OCD Treatment in Northern New Jersey Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more serious than being “picky,” or being “So OCD about” something. True OCD refers to recurring thoughts and fears (obsessions) that cause you to perform certain behaviors (compulsions) over and over. Both the thoughts and behaviors can feel out of control and stressful, and can interfere significantly with daily activities. OCD is often associated with being afraid of germs or being obsessed with cleaning. While those are some common expressions of OCD, it actually covers many different types of thoughts and behaviors, from repeated checking and compulsive counting to unwanted or disturbing thoughts. Everyone double-checks things occasionally, but OCD is different. A person with OCD can’t control the thought-behavior cycle. If you’re dealing with OCD, people might urge you to “just stop” the obsessions, which can make the urge to complete the behavior (or another action) even stronger. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder at a Glance Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a serious condition that interferes with daily life It consists of recurring thoughts and fears (obsessions) that cause you to perform certain behaviors (compulsions) over and over OCD can affect people of all ages Trying to control thoughts and behaviors can be very stressful People can learn to manage OCD symptoms with therapy, medication, or both Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects people of all ages. With targeted treatment, most people can learn to manage the symptoms of OCD. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder isn’t the same as Anxiety Disorder, but living with the symptoms of OCD can certainly lead to issues with anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. People with OCD don’t get enjoyment from these thoughts and behaviors; they recognize that their behaviors are disruptive in their lives and might go to great lengths to avoid situations that trigger their obsessions. Some use alcohol or drugs to quiet the obsessive thoughts. At Lukin Center, your OCD treatment will be tailored to your symptoms and your experience. Our qualified therapists can help you with focused interventions, concrete goals, and proven treatment options to help you find relief from your OCD symptoms and participate in your life the way you want to. What are the Symptoms and Treatments for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? Obsessions and compulsions are as individual as the people experiencing them. Obsessions Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or ideas that are unwanted and can cause distress. These thoughts pop into your head when you’re trying to concentrate or do something else, and they can feel impossible to stop or avoid. You might try to get rid of the thoughts by performing certain personal rituals. Obsessions can include: Fear of objects being “contaminated” by germs Feeling stress when items aren’t arranged in a certain order or symmetry Images of harm: driving your car into a crowd, hitting a stranger on the street Urges to act inappropriately in public: shouting obscenities, removing clothing, etc. Disturbing sexual images or thoughts Compulsions Compulsions are behaviors or actions you feel you must perform in order to stop obsessive thoughts or prevent something bad from happening. Some people create their own rules and rituals to quiet their obsessions, even if the rituals don’t affect the obsessions that trigger them. (Reciting the alphabet 6 times to keep the phone from ringing, for example). Compulsions are very personal and can include: Washing your hands until your skin is raw Cleaning things that are already clean Checking doors, alarms, candles, locks, ovens repeatedly Routines that must be performed in order Counting in patterns Repeated words and phrases At Lukin Center, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder treatment is personalized to the patient, and might include individual psychotherapy, medication, or both. Effective treatment also considers any other mental health issues that you might be dealing with at the same time, from anxiety and depression to eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, or bipolar disorder. While there is no cure for OCD, many patients find relief with compassionate, evidence-based treatment. How can Lukin Center Help Me with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment? If you or your loved one are experiencing symptoms of OCD, don’t wait to get help. Lukin Center clinicians must maintain the highest possible degrees and certifications in their fields, including best practices in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in adults, teens, and children. As one of the largest mental health therapy practices in Northern New Jersey, Lukin Center gives you access to more highly trained therapists and a broader range of specialties, so you can get exactly the help you need. We’ll help you connect with the right mental health professional to get the results you want.
