Do You Have Obsessive Thoughts?
What is Obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD)?
Usually, people deal with obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors at some point in their lives. However, this does not mean that everyone has some sort of obsessive-compulsive disorder. To diagnose OCD, the cycle of obsessions and compulsive behaviors must reach extreme levels bound to consume more time and cause intense distress. In addition, it will affect the essential activities of your life.
Symptoms & signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly known as OCD, is a type of mental health disorder affecting people when they get hooked on the cycle of obsession and compulsion. Obsessions are perhaps unwanted, interfering thoughts and images that trigger distressing feelings. On the other hand, compulsions are a type of behavior in which a man engages to attempt to avoid obsessions and/or reduce distress.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) creates unwanted thoughts, feelings, fears & obsessions that can lead to repetitive behaviors called compulsions. These compulsions and obsessions start to interfere with daily life and cause significant patient issues.
Individuals may try to ignore or stop their obsessions, but that only increases their anxiety and distress. In the end, people feel driven to act compulsively to ease their distress. They repeatedly return despite trying too hard to ignore or eliminate compulsive thoughts or urges. This causes more repeated behavior — the vicious cycle of Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Diagnosis of Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Steps to help diagnose obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD)may include:
- Mental evaluation. This includes discussing thoughts, patterns, feelings, symptoms, and behaviors to determine if someone has compulsive behaviors that interfere with their life. This may include an interview with your family or friends with the patient’s permission.
- Diagnostic criteria for OCD. The physician may use criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and a Physical exam. The physician may examine if other problems are causing the patient’s obsessions and symptoms and check for any related complications.
Treatment Plans for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Treatment for OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD) treatment may not result in a cure. However, it can control symptoms, so they do not control daily-to-day life. Depending on the severity of Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), some individuals may need long-term, more intensive, and ongoing therapy.
Most of the time, OCD treatments are based on psychotherapy and medications. Obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD treatment is most effective with a combination of these two; psychotherapy and medications.
It is essential to seek the professional help of a
psychotherapist and psychiatrist if you cannot ignore or repetitively think about some behavior and thoughts. It might be difficult to control these thoughts, but you can control your decision to get effective treatment. The very first step is to book an appointment with a
therapist. An exam report will help you find the symptoms. Depending on your report, you will be given a plan customized to treat your specific symptoms.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder includes a cycle of obsession, anxiety, compulsion, and relief. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps you think, act and respond to unwholesome thoughts and addictions. Here, this treatment aims to change negative thoughts with valuable ones.
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Exposure And Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)
This is also a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In this treatment, you will be exposed to certain aspects that trigger your
anxiety. The aim is to show you different ways to respond to those triggering points in place of your usual routines.
The Exposure and Response Prevention process may include you and the therapist in one-on-one ratio or in group therapy, including your family.
What will I get out of treatment with Edmonton Counselling Services
If you suspect that you or a loved one has OCD, we can help you in this area. Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a serious mental disorder with different treatments to reduce its symptoms. It is possible to break free from the confines of OCD and find peace in your life. We will help you on that journey. You can book an
online appointment or
Contact us to learn more.
