Do I have OCD?
Why do I worry about people touching me? Why do I worry about touching people? Why do I implement rituals to keep bad things from happening to me or someone? Why do I worry that if I don’t do things that bad things will happen? Why do I repetitively check the doors, locks, stove, and/or windows? Why do I have to line everything up on my desk and get stressed if it isn’t perfect? Why do I have intrusive thoughts and worry that I will hurt myself or someone else despite not being a violent person? If you ask yourself any of these questions, then you may be suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD for short, and should consider consulting with a licensed mental health practitioner.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder that affects nearly 2 million people. It is a disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over again. NIMH reports OCD is a fairly common, chronic and long-lasting disorder that can and often does impact all aspects of a person’s life, including school, work, and their relationships.
What are the symptoms of OCD?
OCD obsessions are repeated, persistent and unwanted thoughts, urges or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. A person suffering from OCD will often fear touching objects that have been touched by others. They will fear harming themselves or others. They will often fear not turning the stove off, or locking the doors, and windows. The obsessive thoughts normally consist of the following:
- Repeated unwanted ideas
- Fear of contamination
- Aggressive impulses
- Persistent sexual thoughts
- Images of hurting someone you love
- Thoughts that you might cause others harm
- Thoughts that you might be harmed
What are compulsions?
OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that are displayed to relieve the anxiety and distress resulting from the obsession. Repetitive behaviors can consiste of counting a specific number of times, compulsively washing hands, needing objects to face a certain direction all in order to avoid something bad from happening to yourself or others. The following are compulsive behaviors associated with OCD.
- Constant checking
- Constant counting
- The repeated cleaning of one or more items
- Repeatedly washing your hands
- Constantly checking the stove, door locks, or windows
- Arranging items to face a certain way
What kind of treatment can I receive for OCD?
Two common treatments used to help improve OCD are psychotherapy and medication management. They can be administered together and or separately, but the most effective treatment being a combination of both.
Can Medication Help with OCD?
Medication can be used to treat OCD and is done so after a thorough evaluation has been completed and are prescribed by a licensed psychiatrist. Medications used to treat OCD are antidepressants known as SSRI’s, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and work by balancing the neurotransmitters in your brain and decreasing the compulsive and obsessive symptoms.
What happens if i don’t get treatment?
Like all mental health issues, left untreated, your OCD can worsen and have a greater impact on your life. As your OCD worsens and furthers affects your ability to function you are more at risk to begin suffering from other mental health issues or worsening those you already suffer from. There is a very high prevalence of people suffering from OCD who also struggle from depression and other anxiety disorders. Therefore it is highly recommended if you feel you are struggling with OCD or any other mental health issues you should consult with a mental health practitioner to discuss treatment options.
Where can I get treatment for OCD?
Thriveworks can help with your OCD. At Thriveworks, we have licensed Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed clinical Social Workers that are trained and ready to work with you to improve your mood and functioning and better prepare you to cope with your OCD.
Same and next day appointments!
We also know how difficult it is to get an appointment with a qualified therapist who accepts your insurance. Many practices don’t even answer the phone, much less call you back if you leave a voicemail. At Thriveworks we always answer the phone and typically are able to give you an appointment within 24 hrs of your call.
We accept insurance!
We accept most insurances and typically offer appointments within 24 hrs of your call. We accept Cigna, Independence Blue Cross, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Highmark, Magellan, Keystone Health Plan East, Personal Choice, United Behavioral Health, Cigna, and Compsych.
Convenient Location!
We are conveniently located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania at Thriveworks Counseling, 600 N Jackson St, Suite 300, Media, Pa. Thriveworks is accessible by public transportation via SEPTA regional rail, Trolley, and bus, we also offer free parking.
Call 610-808-9923 to schedule appointment, or fill out a contact form and we’ll call you.
