Online Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
On the United We Care mental health platform, you can find licensed OCD counselors and therapists who are specialized in assessing and diagnosing the triggers of OCD and eliminate obsessions and compulsions.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is defined by the occurrence of unwanted thoughts which are persistent and recurrent with repetitive behavior that an individual feels driven to perform due to an obsession.
Types of OCD
There are 4 types of OCD:
Cleaning and contamination
The symptoms that fall in this dimension are: Excessive cleaning such as disinfecting and sterilizing, persistent worry about germs or sickness, excessive handwashing and frequent clothing changes.
Symmetry, ordering and exactness
A few symptoms in this type are: A need for items or belongings to be aligned in a certain way, an extreme need for symmetry or organization, organizing items until they feel “just right”, and feeling incomplete when items aren’t exact.
Checking and Re-checking
The symptoms that fall in this category include locks, alarm systems, ovens, or light switches and repeatedly reviewing daily activities to make sure no one was harmed.
Forbidden Thoughts
Distinguished by unwanted or intrusive thoughts. The thoughts are often of a violent, religious or sexual nature that significantly violates the person’s morals or values.
Signs and Symptoms of OCD
The most common symptoms of OCD are:
- Repetitive thoughts
- Urges and images
- Distress
- Anxiety
- Repetitive behavior such as hand washing or phone checking when it isn’t even needed
- Mental acts such as counting or repeating words silently.
Causes of OCD
OCD can be triggered in a person due to:
- Traumatic childhood
- Genetic or hereditary
- Stressful life circumstances
- Relief of anxiety by following certain rituals or habits
Effects of OCD
OCD is a term often used to define those who are fussy about cleanliness. While many might use the term OCD as a slang for irrational behavior but it is a serious psychological condition which affects day to day functioning and mental well-being of a person. A person with OCD could end up washing their hands till they bleed, or even pull their hair out until they go bald. The presence of obsessions and compulsions can create unnecessary distress and cause anxiety. This can impact school life, college life, work life, relationships, friendships and other aspects of everyday life.
Do I Have OCD? | Online OCD Screening Test
If you are wondering whether you or someone close to you has OCD, you can take a free online OCD screening and assessment test to find out instantly.
Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Online CBT-based OCD therapy can help identify OCD triggers and find ways to eliminate obsessions and compulsions.
Pharmacotherapy
There are medications available which are prescribed by psychiatrists that help manage the symptoms of OCD and related disorders. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and other medications have been proven to be very effective.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
This is a popular & highly effective approach employed by many clinicians for the treatment of OCD and related disorders. The methods included in this approach include desensitization, flooding, implosion therapy and aversive conditioning.
Psychotherapy
This approach helps patients gain insight and awareness about their own self, their thoughts, feelings and emotions. It has been observed that due to supportive psychotherapy, individuals are able to effectively manage their symptoms and function better than before.
Tips for OCD Self-Care | How to Get Rid of OCD Naturally
Although OCD therapy combined with medication is the best way to get rid of OCD, there are natural remedies for OCD treatment as well:
- Develop a sleep routine and stick to it
- Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes every day
- Celebrate small achievements when you overcome OCD symptoms to motivate you even further
- Opt for eating small meals throughout the day full of proteins (such as eggs, beans, or meat), complex carbs (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and healthy nutrients (such as nuts & seeds)
Blogs About OCD | Expert Advice
Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has two major components: obsessions and compulsions. Understand OCD like never before in this blog article.