When you encounter difficult or stressful situations, it’s normal to worry. It’s also normal to have occasional thoughts about topics that are distressing or disturbing. However, with obsessive-compulsive disorder, those thoughts and behaviors won’t go away and are extremely difficult to control.
OCD is relatively common, with approximately 2.3% of adults meeting diagnostic criteria. Symptoms tend to appear during adolescence or early adulthood.
Many people with OCD attempt to hide their compulsions from loved ones. Many causes contribute to obsessive-compulsive disorder, including family history, genetics, stress, and serotonin abnormalities.
Some examples of obsessive thoughts include:
Sometimes those obsessive thoughts become compulsive actions; people with OCD may find it necessary to repeat actions in order to relieve tension or anxiety. Common compulsions include:
At Harbor Village, we use a combined approach to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, along with any other co-occurring mental health conditions. A number of medications, especially antidepressants, have demonstrated success in treating OCD and minimizing its effects.
Therapy is especially effective — particularly cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. Wellness programs, including meditation and yoga, teach relaxation and mindfulness techniques that can limit symptoms of OCD.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be exhausting, both for the person experiencing it and their loved ones. The good news is that treatment is available. Harbor Village has extensive experience helping people with a dual diagnosis of OCD and substance use disorders get their life back.