OCD

Having obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) doesn’t mean you like to keep a tidy house or that you have a habit of checking the door locks every night. OCD is a serious mental health condition that interferes with your daily activities. At Texas Advance Behavioral Health, the providers evaluate and treat OCD in Arlington, Texas. If you think you or a family member may have OCD, call or request an appointment online today.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves a repetitive pattern of intrusive thoughts or fears (obsessions) and/or excessive urges to perform certain behaviors (compulsions). Although you may be aware that these obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable, it may seem impossible to stop them. 

Obsessions and compulsions cause great distress that interferes with your daily life, including work, school, and personal relationships. Trying to ignore the obsessions may only increase your suffering.

What are examples of obsessions and compulsions?

Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, urges, or mental images that trigger anxiety and distress. Examples of obsessions include:

• Fear of germs or dirt
• Disturbing sexual images
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others
• Needing things to be symmetrical or arranged a certain way

Distress from obsessions may drive you to perform compulsive behaviors in an attempt to temporarily relieve that anxiety. Examples of compulsions include:

• Excessive hand washing or cleaning
• Counting in certain patterns
• Silently repeating prayers, words, or phrases
• Repeatedly checking things, like making sure the doors are locked or the stove is off 

You may feel the need to perform these compulsive rituals to prevent something terrible from happening, even if you know the compulsion is excessive or unrelated. 

Who is at risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Symptoms of OCD usually begin in childhood and persist into the adult years. Certain factors may increase your risk of developing OCD, including:

• Having a family history of OCD
• Experiencing stressful or traumatic life events
• Having a personal history of other mental health disorders, like anxiety or depression

Several mental health conditions are similar to OCD but have a separate diagnosis, including trichotillomania, a compulsive urge to pull out your hair. 

What are the treatment options for obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Your Texas Advance Behavioral Health provider will carefully evaluate your condition and consider the various factors that affect your mental health before they develop an individualized treatment plan. Depending on your needs, they may recommend psychotherapy, medication management, or a combination of both. 

OCD isn’t curable, but Texas Advance Behavioral Health provides effective, evidence-based treatment to help you manage the symptoms and lead a happy, productive life. 

Call Texas Advance Behavioral Health or book an appointment online today to learn more about treating OCD.