Obsessive Compulsive

Obsessive-Compulsive behavior is characterized by repeated, intrusive and unwanted thoughts (called obsessions) that cause anxiety and by ritualized behaviors (called compulsions) that are designed to try to relieve this anxiety.  The obsessions and compulsions are usually so strong that they cause significant distress in your life.

If you experience obsessions, you have recurring, persistent thoughts, impulses or images that inappropriately enter your mind. These recurring thoughts and impulses cause you significant distress or anxiety and, typically, you may then engage in compulsive behavior patterns in an attempt to reduce or eliminate the distress or anxiety.  These compulsive patterns of behavior are themselves disruptive and a negative cyclical pattern of thoughts and behaviors results.

Common obsessive thoughts include fear of contamination, fear of harming someone, and worrying about whether the stove has been turned off.  The negative compulsive behaviors may involve excessive hand washing, excessive cleaning, checking the stove and making repeated trips back to check it over and over again, hoarding, and being perfectionist to a degree that interferes with completing the task at hand.  Often these behavioral compulsions are accompanied by mental behaviors such as counting things or silently repeating words over and over again.   The aim of these behaviors is to further reduce or eliminate anxiety, distress or to prevent something that is feared.

If you suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive behavior you may not only experience the thought and behavior patterns described above, but you may also have one of the many side effects which are common to those who suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, including depression, feelings of hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness.

While the exact cause an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder has not been established, recent findings show a definite relationship to neuro-biological factors.  There is no cure for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, but there are effective treatment strategies.  Traditional Individual psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy combined with medication appear to be the most successful approaches to reducing obsessive thinking and compulsive behavior. 

While most of my clients prefer not to take medications, I often recommend medication for sufferers of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.  Typically, I have found the treatment of obsessive and compulsive behavior is quicker and more effective if therapy is combined with medication provided by your physician.

For more information about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, please click on the linked websites listed below.

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