Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Most people have obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors at some point in their lives, but that does not mean that we all have “some OCD.” Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of irrational thoughts (obsessions) that trigger anxiety and lead you to do repeated behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and cause serious distress. If you have OCD, you notice that your obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are irrational, but you feel unable to curb them and break free.
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TREATMENT: OCD is a severe disorder that requires psychotherapy, and evidence-based treatment is available (a minimum of 8-10 therapy sessions are recommended). Available treatments for OCD include:
Relaxation training and behavioural activation: Involves regularly practicing breathing exercises, relaxation exercises, and engaging in activities that are relaxing, enjoyable, or useful.
Exposure with response prevention (ERP): Involves gradually exposing you to what you fear and not avoiding or using a compulsion to escape from the situation.
​Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT): Teaches you how to be in the present moment, on purpose, in a non-judgmental way.

Obsessive Thoughts

  • Fear of being contaminated by germs or dirt or contaminating others
  • Fear of losing control and harming yourself or others
  • Intrusive sexually explicit or violent thoughts and images
  • Excessive focus on religious or moral ideas
  • Fear of losing or not having things you might need
  • Order and symmetry--the idea that everything must line up “just right”
  • Superstitions--excessive attention to something considered lucky or unlucky

Compulsive Behaviors

  • Excessive double-checking of things, such as locks, appliances, and switches
  • Repeatedly checking in on loved ones to make sure they’re safe
  • Counting, tapping, repeating certain words, or doing other senseless things to reduce anxiety
  • Spending a lot of time washing or cleaning
  • Ordering or arranging things “just so”
  • Praying excessively or engaging in rituals triggered by religious fear
  • Accumulating “junk” such as old newspapers or empty food containers

"The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow. For every challenge encountered, there is opportunity for growth."

-UNKNOWN

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