4 Things to Know About Treating OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects millions of people worldwide, yet misconceptions about this condition persist. OCD awareness week runs from 10/13 - 10/18 in 2024, which makes this the perfect time to understand what OCD truly is and how it can be treated. 

Recognizing the different facets of OCD can empower those living with it and help others provide support in meaningful ways. Here are four essential things to know about treating OCD.

1. It’s an Anxiety Disorder

OCD is classified as an anxiety disorder, which means its primary driver is a sense of fear or unease. People with OCD experience intrusive thoughts, known as obsessions, that create significant distress or anxiety. To cope with these thoughts, they often engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts called compulsions. These compulsions are attempts to neutralize or reduce the anxiety brought on by the obsessions, but they often end up reinforcing the cycle of fear and anxiety.

Unlike general anxiety, where worry is often diffuse and unfocused, OCD fixates on specific fears or doubts, like the fear of contamination or the need for symmetry. Understanding OCD as an anxiety disorder helps frame its symptoms within a broader category of treatable mental health conditions, making it clear that those experiencing it aren’t alone in their struggles.

2. You Can’t Always See It

One of the biggest misconceptions about OCD is that it always involves visible compulsions like excessive handwashing or checking behaviors. While these are common manifestations, not all OCD symptoms are so easily recognizable. Many people with OCD engage in mental rituals or internalized compulsions that aren’t outwardly visible. For example, they may silently repeat phrases, count numbers in their head, or mentally review past events to ensure they didn't make a mistake.

This hidden aspect of OCD often leads to a lack of understanding or misdiagnosis, as those around the person may not see any obvious signs of distress. It’s essential to recognize that OCD is not just about cleanliness or order; it’s about a relentless cycle of thoughts and behaviors that can dominate a person's internal world, even if they're outwardly calm.

3. It’s Treatable!

The good news is that OCD is highly treatable, and many people experience significant improvements with the right approach. One of the most effective treatments is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). ERP works by gradually exposing individuals to the source of their anxiety without allowing them to engage in their usual compulsive behaviors. This exposure helps reduce the power of the obsessions and diminishes the compulsive responses over time.

Studies show that ERP has a success rate of up to 60-80% in reducing OCD symptoms, making it the gold standard in OCD treatment. In many cases, therapy is complemented with medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which help to regulate mood and reduce anxiety. 

While many people can manage their OCD through outpatient therapy, there are instances where a more intensive level of care is required. When OCD severely disrupts daily functioning or quality of life, structured programs like Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) or residential care can offer the comprehensive support needed to stabilize the condition.

4. EMDR is a highly effective treatment for OCD

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is increasingly recognized as a valuable treatment for OCD, specifically by addressing the core anxieties and triggers that fuel obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often focuses on thought patterns, EMDR works on a deeper level by reprocessing distressing emotions and beliefs linked to OCD. 

Through bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps the brain desensitize to these triggers, diminishing their power and reducing the compulsive responses that usually follow obsessive thoughts.

One of the key benefits of EMDR in treating OCD is its ability to target both the root emotional distress and the negative self-beliefs that often accompany the disorder. Many individuals with OCD struggle with intrusive thoughts that are not only distressing but also tied to deeper issues like fear of losing control or overwhelming guilt. 

EMDR helps individuals reframe these beliefs, making the obsessive thoughts less disruptive and reducing the need to perform compulsive actions. By integrating EMDR into the treatment plan, many clients experience a significant decrease in OCD symptoms and gain better emotional resilience in dealing with their triggers.

There is hope for recovery from OCD 

OCD is a multifaceted anxiety disorder that extends far beyond the media’s portrayal of visible compulsions. While its symptoms are often hidden, their impact can be profound and disruptive to a person's daily life. Thankfully, effective treatments like ERP and EMDR provide hope and tangible relief for those struggling with this condition. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing obsessive-compulsive symptoms, seeking professional guidance is essential to explore all available treatment options. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new mental health strategy.

To get started on your recovery journey, connect with us today at (203) 908-5603.

References:

1. International OCD Foundation. "About OCD." https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/

2. American Psychiatric Association. "What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?" https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ocd

3. Mayo Clinic. "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)." https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432

4. EMDRIA. “EMDR and OCD Therapy” https://www.emdria.org/blog/emdr-therapy-and-ocd-2/