OCD
I specialize in OCD and have completed training through the International OCD Foundation. There are many misconceptions about OCD so I have provided some information. Of course there is much more to know.
What is OCD?
OCD is obsessive compulsive disorder. A person with OCD experiences obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts. Compulsions are behaviors (or mental rituals) that a person engages in to reduce the discomfort of the obsessions.
I don't wash my hands or check things repeatedly, are there other forms of OCD?
YES!! Yes! Handwashing and checking are some of the most talked about or known forms of OCD but there are so many more categories that aren't talked about or represented. Some of the other categories include but are not limited to- Harm OCD, Religious Obsessions, Sexual Thoughts, and Perfectionism.
I have been seeing a therapist but do not feel like my OCD is getting any better, why?
The gold standard treatment for OCD is called ERP- Exposure and Response Prevention. Some people also benefit from medication to manage symptoms of OCD. Find a therapist who specializes in OCD and has had specific training to work with OCD. Ask questions such as: What training have you had to work with OCD? What percent of your caseload is working with OCD? What treatment approach do you utilize with OCD?
Where can I get more information about OCD?
The International OCD Foundation is a great resource. https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/
Here's a quiz to support OCD Awareness Week: How OCD Are You? https://www.quiz-maker.com/QYJYUP1
What is OCD?
OCD is obsessive compulsive disorder. A person with OCD experiences obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts. Compulsions are behaviors (or mental rituals) that a person engages in to reduce the discomfort of the obsessions.
I don't wash my hands or check things repeatedly, are there other forms of OCD?
YES!! Yes! Handwashing and checking are some of the most talked about or known forms of OCD but there are so many more categories that aren't talked about or represented. Some of the other categories include but are not limited to- Harm OCD, Religious Obsessions, Sexual Thoughts, and Perfectionism.
I have been seeing a therapist but do not feel like my OCD is getting any better, why?
The gold standard treatment for OCD is called ERP- Exposure and Response Prevention. Some people also benefit from medication to manage symptoms of OCD. Find a therapist who specializes in OCD and has had specific training to work with OCD. Ask questions such as: What training have you had to work with OCD? What percent of your caseload is working with OCD? What treatment approach do you utilize with OCD?
Where can I get more information about OCD?
The International OCD Foundation is a great resource. https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/
Here's a quiz to support OCD Awareness Week: How OCD Are You? https://www.quiz-maker.com/QYJYUP1
