Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is one of the most widely known and most misunderstood conditions in mental health. While many think of OCD strictly as extreme fastidiousness or associate it with various media characters, OCD is much more varied and common. In fact, it’s estimated that 2-3 million Americans experience OCD, and the manifestations of OCD are as unique as the people who experience it.
Commonly described as an anxiety disorder, OCD is a mental health condition where a person has unwanted, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and feels compelled to perform certain actions (compulsions) to relieve the distress these thoughts cause. These compulsions are often time-consuming and interfere with daily life. Even though people with OCD may realize their thoughts and actions are irrational, they struggle to control them.
If that sounds like you, just know that you are not alone and how you feel right now is not how you’ll feel forever. The team at Carencia has your back and exists to help get you back on your feet.
Checking & Hyperattentiveness
The chronic need to check and recheck things like locks, plugs, and other daily hazards over and over again to gain peace of mind or for fear of some negative event coming to pass.
Ruminations & Intrusive Thoughts
This is where OCD extends into internal lines of thought that may not manifest physically at all. These intrusive thoughts can spring from nowhere and be highly disturbing or even violent. They can occur when your brain is idle or even when occupied.
Contamination & Dirtiness Fixation
The overwhelming feeling that, no matter how many times something is cleaned or how visibly tidy it is, it is still filthy. This feeling can go so far as to induce claustrophobia.
Symmetry & Ordering
Beyond needing to keep everyday items in a particular order, this theme extends to irrational fears that an illogical or unconnected action could result in dire consequences if not taken.
Postpartum OCD
Beyond needing to keep everyday items in a particular order, this theme extends to irrational fears that an illogical or unconnected action could result in dire consequences if not taken.
The line between use and abuse is different for everyone, but when a substance or behavior begins to dictate your everyday decisions such that you’re planning your life around them, it’s time to consider therapy.
Put in a more simple way, if you’re at the point that you’re concerned, you’re at the point where action should be taken. Addiction can also be a catalyst that drives you toward anxiety and depression — and in other cases, addiction stems from self-medicating other conditions. That’s why it’s so critical that we take a whole-person approach to your treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common treatment for OCD that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. A specific type of CBT, called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), helps individuals face their fears and reduce the compulsive behaviors that accompany their obsessions.
Medication-Enabled Treatment
Medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often prescribed to help manage OCD symptoms. These medications can help reduce the intensity of obsessive thoughts and the urge to perform compulsive behaviors, making it easier to engage in therapy and daily activities.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can be beneficial for managing OCD. These practices help individuals stay grounded in the present moment and reduce overall anxiety, which can lessen the frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Lifestyle Changes
Incorporating healthy lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, can support overall mental health and help manage OCD symptoms. Building a routine that includes self-care and stress management techniques can also make a significant difference in daily functioning.
Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies
Over the last decade, breakthrough science has come to light connecting the gut microbiome and the brain. Carencia is continuing to research the impact this can have on anxiety, and we’re using these findings to inform new treatment methodologies.
Carencia recommends NAC that comes in 600mg to give you support.
No. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is distinct from but related to OCD, affecting about 1 in 100 people in the U.S.
Both OCD and OCPD involve a fixation on rules, details, and moral codes, along with hoarding behaviors and perfectionism. However, while those with OCD recognize their thoughts and behaviors as irrational and experience significant anxiety, people with OCPD typically believe their actions are justified and correct.
There isn't a single cause of OCPD, but experts suggest it may stem from factors like controlling or unavailable parents, growing up in a strict culture or religion, and genetics.
In the United States, OCD affects around 1 in 100 people over age 18 each year, and about 1 in 50 people at any given time. Research suggests that people assigned male at birth may have a higher chance of developing OCD symptoms, and may be more likely to develop it at a younger age.
Research shows that OCD can run in families, and that genes likely play a role in its development. However, it's thought that OCD is more likely caused by the combo of environmental influences with genetic susceptibility.
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