Treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

By Julie Peloza, LPC

We have probably all seen Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) presented in different ways, whether it’s in movies, TV shows, books or over social media. For example, OCD is commonly depicted as someone who is a perfectionist. However, as we know, mental health concerns are not always depicted accurately. OCD is commonly known to have two major symptoms: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are persistent, unwanted thoughts, urges or images that cause distress or anxiety. Here are some examples of what obsessions might look like: 

• Fear of being contaminated by touching objects others have touched

• Doubts that you've locked the door or turned off the stove

• Intense stress when objects aren't orderly or facing a certain way

• Images of driving your car into a crowd of people

• Thoughts about shouting obscenities or acting inappropriately in public

• Unpleasant sexual images

• Avoidance of situations that can trigger obsessions, such as shaking hands

In contrast, compulsions are repetitive behaviors that someone with OCD feels compelled to perform in order to reduce the distress experienced from obsessions. Here are some examples of what compulsions may look like:

• Washing and cleaning

• Checking

• Counting

• Orderliness

• Following a strict routine

These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities, are often time-consuming and cause significant distress. Other symptoms of OCD may include intrusive thoughts, depression and anxiety. OCD typically develops in the teenage or young adult years, but it can also develop during childhood and it is at least partly genetic. According to the APA, about 2-3% of people within the United States and among adults, slightly more women than men are affected (2022). Symptoms typically begin to develop gradually and tend to vary in severity over a lifetime. In addition, the types of obsessions and compulsions can also change over a lifetime - symptoms are known to worsen when one experiences stress.

So, how is OCD treated?

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a type of therapy that helps clients become aware of unhelpful or negative thinking so they can view challenging situations more clearly and respond effectively. CBT includes components such as exposure and response prevention which involves being slowly exposed to a feared object or obsession to learn ways to resist the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors. 

• Schwartz’s 4-step model:

  ○ Relabel obsessive thoughts, “this is an obsession” which is identifying the fact that some thoughts are symptoms of OCD, not you as a person.

  ○ Reframe obsessive thoughts by attributing responsibility for the symptoms of OCD to the illness itself - “it’s not me, it’s the OCD.”

  ○ Refocus yourself by switching gears and do something else - this helps those with OCD become aware of unhelpful or damaging thinking. Engage in a hobby or distracting activity such as taking a walk or listening to music.

  ○ Revalue by anticipating and acting - “I know it’s my OCD acting-up, but I’m not going to listen. I am going to do something that will make me feel happy.”

2. EMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Response therapy helps clients reprocess and heal from traumatic events. During an EMDR session, clients recall past trauma while engaging in bilateral stimulation such as eye movement or tapping. Recalling trauma while stimulating both sides of your brain helps you store those memories correctly to feel less vivid and fear-inducing. 

3. Grounding exercises

• Deep Breathing: try the 4-7-8 technique (inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds and slowly exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds).

• Muscle Relaxation: try squeezing muscles starting from your head and down to your toes - notice how your body feels as you squeeze and release.

• 5 senses: name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can touch, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste (if you get stuck, imagine your favorite smells or tastes).

4. Medication management: A class of medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are typically prescribed to treat depression, has also been found to be effective for treating OCD. The recommended treatment for OCD is a combination of SSRIs and CBT. 

OCD can feel frustrating and lonely, but you don’t have to learn to manage it on your own. If you suspect that you may be struggling with OCD symptoms, consider visiting us at the Mental Wellness Center for support. This link will show you all of our providers: https://www.thementalwellnesscenter.com/providers

When you are ready to schedule an appointment please reach out to us at Info@TheMentalWellnessCenter.com or call us at 309-807-5077