What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, commonly known as OCD, is characterized by a pattern of unreasonable thoughts and obsessions that cause a person to act compulsively, performing repetitive behaviors.
How Can Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Impact Your Life?
OCD can vary in intensity, and when it becomes unmanageable it can interfere with everyday activities and cause significant anxiety and distress.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person feels obligated to perform. People with OCD act compulsively with the intention of preventing or reducing the anxiety related to their obsessions, and/or stopping something bad from happening. Engaging in compulsive behavior may seem to offer a sense of relief from anxiety, however, performing compulsions brings no pleasure and only offers temporary relief. A person with OCD might construct rules or rituals that help control their anxiety when they’re experiencing obsessive thoughts, however, these compulsions are often excessive and unrelated to the problem they’re facing.
Examples of compulsive behavior include
- Washing and cleaning
- Checking
- Counting
- Orderliness
- Following a strict routine
- Demanding reassurances
What Are The Symptoms Of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
OCD usually includes both obsessions and compulsions, however, a person may also experience obsession symptoms without compulsions, and vice versa. Obsessions are repeated, persistent and unwanted thoughts urges, or images that are intrusive and cause distress and/or anxiety.
How Can Lightfully Help With Your Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
At Lightfully Behavioral Health, we realize the importance of having a common language to describe symptoms the individual might be experiencing. Even so, we see our clients as more than just their diagnoses. Clients can expect an integrated and inclusive treatment plan from an exceptionally equipped team that focuses on the core processes which underlie their symptoms and all human suffering. In this way, we work to help the client develop an integrated self and a more balanced, meaningful life.
Connect with Admissions
Want to Learn More About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
What should you be looking for in an online OCD quiz?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsession), engagement in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. OCD affects an estimated 1.2% of the U.S.’s adult population and can...
7 Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
When you’re feeling nervous or anxious, your mind can start racing. People often develop habits or coping mechanisms, conscious or unconscious, to reduce those rapid thoughts and uncertain feelings. However, if you have obsessive-compulsive disorder, coping strategies...
What Does It Mean to Be Diagnosed With OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that affects nearly 1 out of every 100 adults in the United States. It’s characterized by intrusive and unwanted thoughts that cause significant anxiety, called obsessions. These obsessions can be so...
Get Connected Today
We’re here when you’re ready. Send us a message using the link below or give us a call at 916.827.4741. Let us help shine a light on your path.
Our Locations
Across our Lightfully locations, we have exceptionally trained and empowered staff waiting to support you along your journey.
Our Clinical Approach
We believe that people are not problems to be solved or diagnoses to be managed, and that meaningful transformation comes from working with the whole person.