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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

At Clarity Clinic, we understand the challenges that individuals facing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) go through. We are here to provide compassionate and effective OCD treatment that empowers you to regain control over your life. Our dedicated team of experienced mental health professionals is committed to guiding you on your journey to relief, healing, and lasting change.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Defined

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder in which people have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas, or sensations (obsessions) that make them feel driven to do something repetitively (compulsions). For people with OCD, thoughts are persistent and unwanted routines and behaviors are rigid, and not doing them causes great distress. Many individuals with OCD have dysfunctional beliefs that may include: an inflated sense of responsibility and the tendency to perfectionism, overestimate threat, intolerance of uncertainty, over the importance of thoughts, and the need to control thoughts. Some individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder may use alcohol or drugs to calm themselves. OCD is treatable, but if left untreated, the course can be chronic.

The Impact of OCD

OCD can have a profound impact on various aspects of an individual's life, including relationships, work, and overall quality of life. It may lead to isolation, frustration, and a sense of helplessness. Our OCD treatment is designed to address these challenges and provide you with effective strategies to manage your symptoms, reduce anxiety, and regain a sense of control.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Causes

The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder can depend on the environment, genetics, and or brain structure and functioning. Research shows that in many cases individuals who have experienced abuse (physical or sexual) in childhood or other trauma are at an increased risk for developing OCD. Genetically, the risk is higher if the first-degree relative developed OCD as a child or teen. Twin and family studies have shown that individuals with first-degree relatives (such as a parent, sibling, or child) who have OCD are at a higher risk for developing OCD themselves. Research has found a connection between abnormalities in certain parts of the brain and OCD symptoms. These parts include the frontal cortex and subcortical structures of the brain.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms

To be diagnosed with general obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the following criteria must be met:

  • Presence of obsessions and compulsions, or both:
  • Obsessions are defined by (1) and (2):
    • Recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are experienced, at some time during the disturbance, as intrusive and unwanted, and that in most individuals cause marked anxiety or distress.
    • The individual attempts to ignore or suppress such thoughts, urges, or images, or to neutralize them with some other thought or action (i.e., by performing a compulsion)

Compulsions are defined by (1) and (2):

  • Repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand washing, ordering, checking) or mental acts (e.g., praying, counting, repeating words silently) that the individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.
  • The behaviors or mental acts are aimed at preventing or reducing anxiety or distress, or preventing some dreaded event or situation; however, these behaviors or mental acts are not connected realistically with what they are designed to neutralize or prevent, or are excessive.

* Young children may not be able to articulate the aims of these behaviors or mental acts. *

  • The obsessions or compulsions are time-consuming (e.g., take more than 1 per day) or cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
  • The obsessive-compulsive symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., drug abuse or medication) or another medical condition.
  • The disturbance is not better explained by the symptoms of another mental disorder e.g; excessive worries, as in generalized anxiety disorder, preoccupation with appearance, like body dysmorphic disorder; difficulty with discarding or parting with possessions, as in hoarding disorder; hair pulling, as in trichotillomania (hair picking disorder); skin picking, as in excoriation (skin picking disorder); stereotypes, such as stereotypic movement disorder; ritualized eating behaviors, like eating disorders; preoccupation with gambling or substances, like substance-abuse-related disorders or gambling disorders, repetitive patterns of behavior, as in autism spectrum disorder; thought insertion or delusion, as in schizophrenia; sexual urges or fantasies; as in paraphilic disorders; impulses, as in disruptive, impulse- control, and conduct disorders; and guilty rumination, as in major depressive disorders.

How to Approach a Loved One

There is no perfect way to approach a loved one that you assume or know has obsessive-compulsive disorder. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder may be embarrassed and try to hide symptoms or rituals, and mental rituals can be very difficult to recognize. Providing support and being aware of what they’re learning in treatment can be helpful.

Types of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment

Treating obsessive-compulsive disorder usually includes a combination of medication and therapy. It is important to distinguish the best course of treatment individually with an experienced OCD therapist.

Medication Management

In some cases, medication may be an effective component of OCD treatment. Our team includes experienced psychiatrists who can conduct a thorough evaluation and provide medication management if deemed appropriate. Medication, when used in conjunction with therapy, can help alleviate symptoms and enhance the effectiveness of your treatment plan.
The most common forms of medication used to reduce OCD symptoms are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Research has also shown that antipsychotic medication can also be effective if the other medications do not work. When using a medication, it is important to talk with a doctor or a pharmacist to make sure the risks and benefits are understood. Do not stop taking the medication without talking to a doctor first.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is also an effective treatment for adults and children with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Research shows that certain types of psychotherapy, like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), can be as effective as medication for many individuals. Specifically, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This form of treatment, which is used in reducing compulsive behaviors in OCD, is usually the add-on treatment of choice when SRIs or SSRIs medication does not effectively treat OCD symptoms.

What to Expect in OCD Therapy

  • Building a Therapeutic Relationship: We believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for successful treatment outcomes. Our compassionate and non-judgmental therapists are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can openly discuss your experiences, challenges, and progress.
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A cornerstone of our OCD treatment is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Your therapist will guide you through gradual exposure to your triggers while helping you resist engaging in compulsive behaviors. With time and practice, you'll learn to confront your fears and reduce the power that OCD holds over your life.
  • Skill-Building and Coping Strategies: Throughout your treatment journey, you'll develop a range of practical coping strategies to manage OCD symptoms. These skills empower you to navigate triggers, challenge negative thought patterns, and respond to distressing situations in healthier ways.
  • Progress Monitoring and Adjustment: As you make progress, we'll regularly assess your treatment plan to ensure it remains aligned with your evolving needs. Flexibility is key, and our therapists are committed to adjusting your treatment approach as you work towards your goals.

Getting Started with OCD Treatment

We understand that seeking help for OCD can be a courageous step. Our team is here to support you throughout the process. To begin your journey to healing and freedom from OCD, schedule an appointment online today.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder FAQ

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Providers

Elizabeth
Elizabeth Black, LCPC
Director of Clinical Therapy- Lakeview
Ryan
Ryan Atkins, PA
Psychiatry
Cesar
Cesar Feijoo, PA-C
PA-C
Hannah
Hannah Wychocki, PA-C
PA-C
Lauren
Lauren Isdale, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Gabriella
Gabriella Lerner, PA-C
PA-C
Cyrus
Cyrus Ma, PA-C
PA-C
Zachary
Zachary Delgado, LSW
Therapy
Sarah
Sarah Tarabey, LCPC
Therapist
Kumail
Kumail Hussain, MD
Young Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Michele
Michele Sitorus, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Sloan
Sloan Kodroff, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Rahael
Rahael Mathew, LCPC
Therapist
Megan
Megan Becker, PA-C
PA-C
Emma
Emma Arsic, PA-C
PA-C
Paul
Paul Bamberger, PA-C
PA-C
Jason
Jason Brescia, LCPC
Therapy
Sankrant
Sankrant Reddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Stephanie
Stephanie Osborne, PA-C
Psychiatry
Ashley
Ashley Seredynski, PA-C
PA-C
Christine
Christine Lantin, PA-C
PA-C
Sudhakar
Sudhakar Shenoy, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Sharon
Sharon Koys, PA-C
PA-C
Sara
Sara Fakhri, MA
Therapy
Sahar
Sahar Eftekhar, DO
General & Addiction Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Gilfillan, MD
Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Kuhn, PA-C
PA-C
Sonnie
Sonnie Cousins, MA
Therapy
Nicole
Nicole Ortiz, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Elana
Elana Horowitz, PA-C
PA-C
Pavan
Pavan Prasad, MD
Psychiatrist
Lovea
Lovea Smith, LCPC
Director of Therapy– Loop
Mariyah
Mariyah Hussain, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Marc
Marc Sandrolini, MD
Psychiatry
Khrystyna
Khrystyna Helner, LPC, MBA
Therapist
Kiran Binal
Kiran Binal Maharaja, MD
Psychiatrist
Lizzie
Lizzie Ausland, LCPC, CADC
Therapist
Kalyan
Kalyan Rao, MD
Psychiatrist
Jonathan
Jonathan Kolakowski, MD
Psychiatrist
Judy
Judy Bitzer, LCPC
Therapist
James
James Histed, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Keith
Keith Merrifield, LCSW, CCTP, ADHD-CCSP
Therapist
Jessica
Jessica Masbaum, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Janel
Janel Wenger, AMFT
Therapist
Ivy
Ivy Poma, PA-C
PA-C
Jeanette
Jeanette Marinier, PA-C
PA-C
Jamie
Jamie Schubert, PA-C
PA-C
Sherita
Sherita Hernton, PA-C
PA-C
Jodi
Jodi Randle, LCPC, CADC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Emily
Emily Schaffer, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Street, PA-C
PA-C
Thomas
Thomas Thurlow, NP
Psychiatry
Savannah
Savannah Sullivan, PA-C
PA-C
Kathryn
Kathryn Ross, PA-C
Psychiatry
Summer
Summer Slininger, PA-C
PA-C
Irena
Irena Markova, PMHNP
Psychiatry
Ravali
Ravali Poreddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Ariella
Ariella Panos, PA-C
PA-C
James
James Ham, PA-C
Psychiatry
Rayna
Rayna Gorstein, PA-C
PA-C
Daniel
Daniel Shuter, LSW
Therapist
Sierra
Sierra Purcell, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Hoag, MD
Psychiatrist
Ali
Ali Sheikha, PA-C
PA-C
Grace
Grace Starrs, PA-C
Psychiatry
Cassie
Cassie Donahue, PA-C
Psychiatry
Gayathri
Gayathri Ganesh, PA-C
PA-C
Ryan
Ryan Watters, LSW, CADC
Therapy
Samuel
Samuel Eckert, PA-C
PA-C
Nayeli
Nayeli Cruz-Castillo, LCPC
Therapy
Rafael
Rafael Lopez, MD
Psychiatrist
Nicholas
Nicholas Little, PA-C
PA-C
Scott
Scott Shadrick, PA-C
PA-C
Khadija
Khadija Manzoor, LPC, CRC
Therapy
Mira
Mira Ebalo, PA-C
PA-C
Miriam
Miriam Mixon, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Justin
Justin Lee, PA-C
PA-C
Jerri
Jerri Ganz, LCSW
Therapy
Heather
Heather Holmes, PA-C
PA-C
Carol
Carol Briggs, LPC, NCC
Therapy
Emily
Emily Filip, PA-C
PA-C
Liz
Liz Hand, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Jenna
Jenna Jacobson, PA-C
PA-C
Dane
Dane Davlantis, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Caitlin
Caitlin Daughtry, PA-C
PA-C
Camryn
Camryn Schmidt, PA-C
PA-C
Dillon
Dillon Pfau, LSW
Therapy
Alexandra
Alexandra Gregor, PA-C
PA-C
Allegria
Allegria Knouse, PA-C
PA-C
Bakhtawar
Bakhtawar Usman, PA-C
Psychiatry
Alyssa
Alyssa Bobak, PA-C
PA-C
Aimee
Aimee Daramus, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Anita
Anita Weber, LSW
Therapy

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