Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS OCD?
- OCD is a brain and behavior mental health disorder which involves obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are characterized as excessive and repetitive unwanted thoughts, worries, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety or discomfort.
WHO CAN BE DIAGNOSED OCD?
- OCD affects individuals of all ages, races, and ethnicities. OCD is equally diagnosed in men, women, and children. While OCD symptoms can start at any time, the most common time frames are between 8 – 12 years old or between late teen years and early adulthood.
WHAT CAUSES OCD?
- While the specific cause of OCD is unknown, research indicates that there are likely components of genetics, brain structure communication challenges, and an individual’s environment which cause OCD symptoms.
HOW IS OCD DIAGNOSED?
- OCD can be diagnosed by trained mental health professionals through assessments and observations of an individual’s symptoms.
IS OCD TREATABLE?
- Yes! Psychotherapy and medication, when properly treated, have shown substantial decreases in OCD symptomology for a majority of individuals.
WHAT IS EXPOSURE AND RESPONSE PREVENTION (EX/RP) TREATMENT?
- Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention is an evidence-based treatment that has demonstrated efficacy and durability in reducing OCD symptom severity. EX/RP is a brief CBT-based treatment that gradually and systematically utilizes exposures to trigger obsessional distress and reduces or eliminates the ability to ritualize in order to reduce fears.
HOW CAN I HELP MY LOVED ONE?
- Compulsions are continuous and repetitive behaviors driven by a strong urge to neutralize the anxiety created by obsessive thoughts and/or images. Obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming and interfere with daily functioning (socially, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, recreationally, educationally, occupationally, vocationally, and financially).
First and foremost, education regarding OCD and OCD treatment is a vital first step for helping your loved one. Family and friends are often part of treatment to varying degrees, so understanding how symptoms are maintained and strategies for symptom reduction are beneficial.
