Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment in Chicagoland
OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). It’s a type of anxiety disorder that can significantly impact daily life and functioning.
Signs & Symptoms of OCD
1. Obsessions:
- Recurrent, persistent, and unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that cause distress or anxiety.
2. Compulsions:
- Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession.
- These behaviors are aimed at preventing or reducing anxiety or distress, but they are not realistically connected to the issue they are meant to address.
3. Obsessive Thoughts:
- Thoughts that are intrusive, unwanted, and difficult to control.
4. Compulsive Behaviors:
- Ritualistic actions performed in response to obsessive thoughts.
5. Avoidance:
- Individuals with OCD may avoid situations or triggers that provoke their obsessions or compulsions.
- This avoidance can significantly interfere with daily functioning and may lead to social or occupational impairment.
6. Distress and Impairment:
- OCD symptoms cause significant distress, anxiety, or disruption in daily life.
- They can interfere with work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
7. Need for Reassurance:
- People with OCD may seek reassurance from others or engage in repetitive behaviors to alleviate their anxiety temporarily.
Treatment Options
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure-based Therapies
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies
- Antidepressant medications
- Anti Anxiety medications
Diagnosis
Diagnosing OCD involves a comprehensive assessment conducted by a qualified mental health professional. This typically begins with a thorough clinical interview, during which the clinician gathers information about the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and family history. The diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are then used to determine if the individual’s symptoms meet the criteria for OCD, which include the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both that cause distress and interfere with daily functioning. Neuropsychological testing provides the most in-depth diagnosis methods, allowing patients to gain a better understanding of their mental health status.
Help Manage Your OCD
With support from our expert providers you can go…
1. From debilitating obsessions to manageable thoughts:
With the help of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP), an individual can move from being overwhelmed by intrusive, obsessive thoughts to managing and reducing the impact of these thoughts on their daily life
2. From compulsive rituals to efficient routines:
Through ERP therapy and mindfulness techniques, a person can transition from spending excessive time performing compulsive rituals to maintaining efficient, healthy daily routines without the need for ritualistic behaviors.
3.From social withdrawal to active participation:
With comprehensive treatment and support, someone can go from avoiding social interactions due to the fear of their obsessions and compulsions being exposed to actively participating in social activities and building strong relationships.
4. From paralyzing doubt to confident decision-making:
By learning coping strategies and undergoing therapy, an individual can move from being paralyzed by constant doubt and uncertainty to making decisions confidently and trusting their own judgment.
5.From constant distress to emotional well-being:
Through regular therapy sessions and possibly medication, a person with OCD can transform from living in a state of constant distress and anxiety to achieving emotional well-being and a sense of inner peace.
How To Get Started
1. Fill in the new patient form
2. Receive your personalized evaluation & treatment plan
3. Experience mental wellness