OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and urges to repeat behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). The compulsive behaviors are an attempt to reduce the stress caused by the obsessions. These compulsions are not enjoyable, but rather behaviors people feel forced to perform in order to avoid an unwanted future event. A person may even know that their behaviors are irrational, but feel unable to control the urge to engage in them.

When someone thinks of OCD, the thought of someone driven to wash their hands over and over to avoid germs typically comes to mind. However, OCD is much more complex than this. Obsessions may center around germs, contamination, or illness, but they many fall into other categories as well. For example, an individual could struggle with reoccurring thoughts about harm coming to oneself or others. The obsessions could center around many topics, but the important thing to remember is that they are intrusive and unwanted. In response to these obsessions, an individual may engage in any of these types of compulsive behaviors:

—Checking
—Reassurance seeking
—Cleaning or washing
—Counting
—Praying
—Rearranging or straightening
—Repeating
—Tapping or touching
—Other behaviors in an effort to undo or cancel an obsessive thought

Living with OCD is overwhelming and exhausting. Intrusive thoughts regularly bombard you and repetitive behaviors consume your daily life. Lotus Therapy Group is here to help you break the never ending cycle of thoughts and behaviors.