Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, commonly referred to as OCD, impacts approximately one percent of adults living in the United States.

OCD is a mental health condition characterized by the persistent presence of unwanted thoughts, known as obsessions, and/or repetitive behaviors, referred to as compulsions, which can severely interfere with daily life activities. Individuals with OCD often experience considerable emotional distress and challenges in their day to day lives.

Effective treatment is available. If you feel that OCD may be affecting your daily life, contact us! Dr. Betterly will guide you through treatment options to help you find what works best for you.

Obsessions

Unwanted, persistent and intrusive thoughts, urges, or images which repeatedly enter one’s mind
Obsessions create anxiety and distress
Obsessions may lead to attempts to ignore or neutralize with another thought or action (i.e., performing a compulsion), which may temporarily relieve the anxiety and distress.

Common Obsessions

Fear of contamination/germs/dirt
Fear of harming yourself or others
Fear of losing control
Need for order/ “just right”
Difficulty with uncertainty
Unpleasant aggressive, sexual, or religious thoughts

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors (i.e., hand washing, ordering, checking)
Mental acts (i.e., counting, repeating words silently, praying)
One may feel driven to perform the mental acts and repetitive behaviors in an attempt to prevent or reduce the anxiety and distress associated with an obsession
Mental acts and repetitive behaviors are not connected in a realistic way with that which they are designed to prevent. They may be clearly excessive.