Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition where a person suffers from recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions). These thoughts and behaviours can make it difficult to function daily.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a disorder where people tend to worry about multiple things at once. While there are different types of anxiety disorders, it is characterized by a general tendency to worry that can cause serious hindrances to daily life.
Both disorders can make everyday life more complicated, and professional help is necessary for extreme cases. With professionals, people who suffer from these disorders can better manage their symptoms for a more fulfilling life.
What Is OCD?
OCD is when a person has recurring unwanted thoughts and engages in repetitive behaviours in response to obsessions. People who suffer from OCD feel the need to do these behaviours every day, or else they will feel extremely distressed. These thoughts and behaviours can also consume a lot of time, interfering with daily responsibilities.
For example, a person with OCD may need to wash their hands until they get it right. They may take a lot of time to make sure that their hands are totally clean before they can proceed with their day. This repetitive behaviour may stem from a fear of germs or getting sick, so they need to accomplish their ritual before they feel at ease.
OCD is a condition that typically comes from abnormalities in the brain structure or function. If a person suffers from OCD, they may have imbalances in brain regions involved with decision-making and emotional regulation.
Serotonin imbalances may also cause OCD. This is the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and behaviour. While it’s not the only cause of OCD, a serotonin imbalance may impair communication in the brain and can cause the disorder’s symptoms.
In some cases, OCD can also stem from environmental triggers. Stressful events can make people feel more fearful of the world around them. They may have intense, unfavourable thoughts or repeatedly do certain actions to calm down this fear.
Other studies show that genetics may also increase the risk of OCD, but this isn’t true for all. Only 10% to 20% of children with a parent who suffers from OCD will develop the same disorder. There is also no single gene that has been identified as the sole cause of OCD.
How Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Diagnosed?
OCD is diagnosed through a series of tests and interviews conducted by a qualified mental health professional. During these evaluations, a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist can carefully assess a client’s symptoms.
An OCD diagnosis typically starts with a clinical assessment. In-depth interviews will be conducted to take a look at the presence of obsessions and compulsions. The mental health professional will ask the client about the frequency, duration, and severity of these symptoms.
Once enough information is gathered, the diagnosis will be based on the OCD DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria. According to the criteria, the disorder may be diagnosed as OCD if the obsessions or compulsions take more than an hour a day. Other structured tools used to diagnose OCD are the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOBCS) and the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI).
In some cases, clients will be encouraged to get a second opinion from another mental health professional. A collaboration of evaluations and assessments between multiple professionals can make a more accurate diagnosis. Input from family members and other loved ones may also be considered when diagnosing a mental health disorder such as OCD.
Symptoms Of OCD
Depending on the type of OCD a person is struggling with, they will experience different symptoms. These symptoms may begin during late childhood and young adulthood. For some, they may experience worse symptoms when they’re stressed out.
The symptoms of OCD can be categorised into obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions
Obsessions refer to the unwanted thoughts that appear in one’s mind. These thoughts are often against the person’s values and desires, and they occur repeatedly despite best efforts to suppress them. Some examples of obsessions include:
- A fear of getting sick from contaminated objects or surfaces
- Feeling like something needs to be perfect before they can move on with their day
- Having irrational or exaggerated thoughts about something that will unlikely happen
- Being obsessed with a person or a relationship to the point that it causes extreme worry
- Constantly being haunted by intrusive thoughts or memories, even if they happened years ago
Compulsions
Compulsions are mental rituals or behaviours that must be repeated for a person to feel less anxious. While these actions are voluntary and unnecessary, people struggling with OCD must perform them to avoid distress. Examples of compulsive behaviours include:
- Excessively washing hands or cleaning surfaces
- Repeatedly checking whether the lights are switched off and the door is locked
- Constantly seeing whether everyone is okay and not harmed by other people’s actions
- Organising items so that they’re in a certain pattern or are aligned perfectly
- Repeating actions, like touching objects for a certain number of times
- Avoiding specific places or people that make them feel anxious
What Is An OCD And Anxiety Treatment Centre?
An OCD and anxiety treatment centre is a facility that specialises in the treatment of OCD and other anxiety disorders. They provide therapies and skills-building sessions for people who want to overcome and manage their symptoms.
These treatment centres will have professional staff who can create tailored treatment programmes to address these mental health disorders. During the treatment, the client will go through different evaluations to determine whether they have OCD, anxiety, or other related mental health conditions.
One of the benefits of going to a treatment centre for these mental health disorders is access to expert care. Trying to manage OCD symptoms at home can be challenging since there is no proper guidance from a professional. With the structured program, clients can work towards concrete goals and see their progress to determine whether they are effectively handling their symptoms.
An OCD and anxiety treatment centre is also a place where clients can connect with other people who are going through the same struggles. Since the centre provides special treatment for a certain group of people, it will be easier for clients to build a community. Support groups and other holistic therapies offer avenues for clients to meet like-minded people so that they can even find inspiration.
What To Expect At A Treatment Centre
The day-to-day schedule at a treatment centre will depend on the person’s personalised programme. Some clients may receive inpatient treatment, where they stay at a treatment facility 24/7, while others may go through outpatient treatment.
If a client goes through inpatient treatment for OCD and anxiety, then they can expect to follow a structured routine every day. Many rehab centres implement structured routines that combine different therapies and approaches.
The reason why structure is important in mental health treatment is because it reduces unpredictability. For people struggling with OCD, “knowing what comes next” can provide them with ease and comfort that will help them be ready for the next steps of treatment.
At a treatment centre, clients can also expect a variety of education and skills development sessions. These sessions aim to help clients learn more about OCD and how to manage its symptoms. Treatment centres will also provide ample breaks for downtime, which can be used to socialise with other people to prevent isolation during the treatment.
Treatment Options And Therapy For OCD
A treatment centre will provide various therapies and holistic approaches to help manage the symptoms of OCD. Combining these will create a more well-rounded recovery experience for the clients. The programme will depend on the client’s treatment plan. In general, this is what to expect during the treatment:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): The most evidence-based therapy used to treat OCD is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). During CBT, clients can pinpoint negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to OCD and learn how to change them.
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP):ERP is a specialised type of CBT used in OCD treatment. It’s an approach that involves gradual exposure to fears without engaging in compulsions. Through ERP, clients will slowly feel more ready to face the feared stimulus since the therapy encourages the acceptance of uncertainty.
- Medication Management:Medications like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed during treatment if it’s found that a serotonin imbalance has caused OCD. These medications will start with a low dose to minimise side effects. They also take a bit of time before they show improvement.
- Holistic Therapies: Some rehab centres may incorporate holistic therapies like meditation, mindfulness, and deep-breathing exercises into their treatment. People with OCD may benefit from these types of practices because they help focus on the present. Holistic therapies can also help reduce the stress that often comes from intense obsessions and compulsions.
How Effective Is OCD Treatment?
OCD treatment is highly effective for many people who struggle with this disorder. Those who receive and participate in the treatment have shown significant progress in reducing their symptoms.
However, it’s important to remember that OCD is a chronic disorder, which means it can come back anytime. So, even if a person goes through intensive treatment for OCD, some symptoms may still reoccur.
To prevent the symptoms from being unmanageable, long-term strategies should be in place. For example, it is highly recommended that people who struggle with OCD continue receiving evidence-based therapies, such as CBT and ERP. Periodic sessions can provide additional support and help address any new challenges that may arise after a patient is done with treatment.
Learning how to create a healthy routine and lifestyle can also help manage OCD symptoms. People who struggle with OCD may want to practice daily stress management techniques to reduce anxiety and promote overall well-being.
Is An OCD Clinic Suitable For Anyone With OCD And Related Anxiety?
While treatment at an OCD clinic is suitable for many, the level of care and support needed will vary depending on the case. People with symptoms that interfere with daily life can significantly benefit from the structured programs offered at an OCD clinic.
OCD clinics may also provide specialised treatment for those with co-occurring disorders. For example, if a person with OCD is also suffering from anxiety, an OCD clinic can tailor their treatment to address both disorders. This specialised treatment can mean better outcomes for the client.
While OCD clinics offer various benefits, they may not be the best choice for all. Sometimes, people with mild symptoms don’t need intensive therapies. They can manage their symptoms with the help of a trained therapist in an outpatient setting.
Where To Find Specialist Treatment
People struggling with OCD and other mental health disorders may find it hard to function daily without treatment. Professionals can provide the right guidance and support for recovery. They also act as accountability partners to help clients stay on track with their treatment plans.
At Sierra Recovery, we provide treatment for OCD and other mental health conditions. Our team consists of medical professionals and specialists who can diagnose your condition and help you develop the proper coping strategies. Contact us today to learn more.
