What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic, often debilitating mental health condition characterized by a cycle of uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can interfere with your daily life and responsibilities.

OCD obsessions are lasting and unwanted thoughts that keeping coming back or urges or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. You might try to ignore them or get rid of them by acting based on ritual. These obsessions usually intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things.

Obsessions often have themes, such as:

• Fear of contamination or dirt.

• Doubting and having a hard time dealing with uncertainty.

• Needing things to be orderly and balanced.

• Aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and harming yourself or others.

• Strong need for order, neatness or symmetry and fear of making mistakes

• Focus on body sensations or automatic functions, like breathing or heart rate

Compulsions usually have themes, such as:

• Washing and cleaning.

• Checking.

• Counting.

• Ordering.

• Following a strict routine.

• Demanding reassurance.

In addition, these feelings are accompanied at least some of the following symptoms: sleep disruption (sleeping too little or too much), feeling restless or slowed down, fatigue/low energy, changes in appetite or weight, feelings of worthlessness and/or excessive feelings of guilt, difficulties with concentration or decision making, and thoughts about death or suicide.

Our clinicians at DBT Eastside specializes in evidence based modalities aimed at treating OCD.