Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What is it?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder. It has two main components:

Uncontrollable, reoccurring “sticky” thoughts (obsessions). Common examples include:

  • Fear of germs or contamination.

  • Unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm.

  • Aggressive thoughts towards others or self.

  • Having things symmetrical or in a perfect order.

Behaviors (compulsions) that one feels the urge to repeat over and over. Examples include:

  • Excessive cleaning and/or handwashing.

  • Ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way.

  • Repeatedly checking on things, such as repeatedly checking to see if the door is locked or that the oven is off.

  • Compulsive counting, or mental compulsions.

How is it treated?

The gold standard for treating OCD is a specific form of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). Sometimes medication is also used effectively.

Amy completed her training for ERP treatment under Stephen Tsao, Ph.D. and David Yusko, Psy.D. via the Center for Anxiety and Behavior Therapy in January of 2021.

 

“Amy has an uncanny ability to synthesize concepts clearly and with aplomb; and makes learning it fun, too!”
— client JH