What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions), or both obsessions and compulsions aimed at alleviating anxiety. These thoughts are unwanted, and compulsions are taxing, consuming a significant amount of time and interfering with work, school, relationships, and overall well-being of the individual.
How to Recognize Intrusive Thoughts and Obsessions
As the name suggests, intrusive thoughts are, well intrusive. These thoughts are unwelcome, and can be distressing ideas, images, or impulses that invade the individual’s mind. The frequency and intensity of these thoughts vary but often related to contamination, taboo subjects, violence, or harm. These intrusions may be contrary to the individual’s beliefs, yet they persist causing significant anxiety and guilt. It must be recognized that these thoughts are unwanted.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts carried out in response to the obsessive thoughts or to prevent a feared outcome. Compulsion often provides temporary relief, but its repetition significantly disrupts daily function.
OCD has often been misunderstood as excessive cleaning, handwashing, hyper-fixation on germs, or being neat. These symptoms amongst others may be observed in OCD however when these intrusive thoughts, compulsions, or a combination of both become time-consuming to the point of interfering with one’s work, relationships, and other areas of life is when it becomes time to speak to your psychiatrist in San Diego about treatment options.
The Impact on Daily Life
OCD symptoms are closely tied with time. Because a significant amount of time is spent on the compulsions/intrusive thoughts, the individual suffering may choose to isolate themselves due to fear of judgment, having feelings of shame or even guilt in that the symptoms prevent them from participating in activities with their loved ones. Loved ones may struggle to understand the compulsions and may become frustrated or resentful due to the impact on their own lives. One might feel drained after consuming a significant amount of time and energy engaging in their rituals.
Apart from interference with daily functioning and disruption of relationships, OCD symptoms may contribute to impaired occupation and academic performance. This constant preoccupation worsens concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. Symptoms may cause financial burden with individuals needing to replenish household items due to it being excessively used in rituals. One’s physical health is impacted as well in the individual that engages in repetitive handwashing or skin picking as such compulsions may lead to skin irritation, dryness, or infections.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, taking a toll on your livelihood, it may be time to seek obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD Treatment San Diego.
What are the Treatment Options?
Treatment consists of a comprehensive and collaborative approach including therapy, medications, and self-care activities. Though cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can significantly alleviate anxiety associated with OCD, exposure, and response prevention (ERP) therapy is highly effective. This particular type of therapy exposes the individuals to feared situations or thoughts while refraining from engaging in compulsive behaviors, allowing them to learn healthier ways of coping with anxiety. With enough exposure, desensitization occurs, and OCD symptoms lessen.
Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are used to help alleviate symptoms.
Anxiety is a prominent feature of OCD, so it is important to place efforts at managing anxiety in the treatment of OCD. For some, this means engaging in self-care activities frequently to lessen anxiety symptoms. Examples include mindfulness, stress management techniques, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which can aid in managing overall anxiety levels. If you find yourself frequently anxious, which worsens OCD symptoms, consider anxiety treatment in San Diego.
By recognizing the patterns of compulsions and obsessions, you can determine the impact symptoms are causing. With the right support, coping strategies, and treatment interventions, individuals affected by OCD can reclaim control over their lives and embark on a journey toward healing and recovery. Sacred Psychiatric provides extensive support and professional guidance for OCD management, creating a compassionate space for individuals to address and overcome their challenges.