Authentic Guidance Counseling
Hey There
If you're wondering whether or not what you've been experiencing is OCD, you're not alone. It can take on average 7-14 years to be accurately diagnosed with OCD. It is widely misunderstood in the general population and even amongst practicing therapist who aren't familiar with the disorder.
It often times gets misdiagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder. And unfortunately, a missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis can lead to the incorrect treatment.
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And, while OCD needs to be diagnosed by a professional using proper assessments, I have listed below common symptoms in order to help you determine if you may want to get in for an assessment.
A Brief Summary of OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects people of all ages and walks of life. It is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that are performed in an attempt to alleviate anxiety or prevent a feared outcome. OCD can be a debilitating condition that interferes with daily life, but with proper treatment, many people are able to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
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​Obsessions in OCD can take many forms, such as fear of contamination, fear of causing harm to oneself or others, or a need symmetry or order. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that performed in response to these obsessions, such as excessive hand washing, checking and rechecking locks or appliances, or counting or repeating certain words or phrases. These compulsions are often time-consuming and interfere with daily life, but provide temporary relief from the anxiety caused by the obsessions.
OCD Treatment
The gold standard treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CB) and medication. BT involves exposure and response prevention (ERP), which helps patients confront their fears and obs in a controlled environment. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also be effective in reducing OCD symptoms. It's important to work with a mental professional to determine the best plan for each individual.
