Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Care at Treat Mental Health

Understanding Anxiety

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by intrusive and uncontrollable obsessions, ideas, and feelings. Unfortunately, in many instances, OCD in adults does not go away no matter how hard the person tries to free themselves from their obsessions – you may get stuck in a cycle that forces you to behave according to made-up rituals just to get temporary relief from your symptoms. Start your mental wellness journey today with Treat Mental Health – our specialists know how to help an individual overcome their OCD and begin a new chapter in their life with improved mental health.

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What Causes OCD?

OCD causes remain a stumbling block to this day – there are various opinions on how this condition emerges and what can be done to prevent this disorder from damaging the person’s self-image and their relationships with other people. Still, there are several risk factors you should bear in mind when worrying about possible OCD in yourself or another person:

Genetic variations have not yet been fully studied but some researchers have noted the connection between having a person with OCD in the family and the possibility of developing this condition during adolescence or adult life. However, other scientists believe OCD is learned because children tend to mimic the behavior of their parents, legal guardians, or siblings making OCD the result of the person’s environment.
Certain types of personality are more vulnerable to mental illnesses - some individuals are anxious their entire lives, and others are known in their community as strict, meticulous, and emotionless people. These factors may cause OCD even if it is not diagnosed because a person with such a personality often does not believe something may be wrong with them and brushes off the concerns of others referring to their habits, schedules, and quirks as an integral part of their character.
Distressing events do not necessarily cause OCD but they may trigger the first symptoms especially if the person has demonstrated an unusual love for order and cleanliness. For instance, an individual who survived domestic abuse may become obsessed with constantly cleaning their home since they believe any amount of dirt may result in violence even if they are completely safe at the moment.
Brain abnormalities may be present during the brain scan of the person with severe OCD symptoms. Additionally, people with this diagnosis may have lower levels of serotonin and dopamine which usually implies the possibility of a mental condition or mood disorder at some point in their life.

Recognizing the Signs of OCD

OCD is a very diverse condition – sometimes, mental health professionals encounter a patient with symptoms they have never heard of before yet they fall under the category of OCD symptoms. Look out for the following behavior if you suspect you or someone else may have OCD:

Intrusive Thoughts

Excessive worry to the point of self-harm ideations occurs frequently in people with OCD – they

cannot stop thinking about painful memories, doubt their relationships with partners and friends, and even fantasize about killing themselves on a particularly dark day. Make sure you seek professional treatment if these distressing thoughts persist and become more and more frequent.

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Obsessive Cleaning

Some individuals with OCD diagnosis do their chores every day – and sometimes even several

times per day. These routines and rituals help them feel in control – if I cannot impact other areas of my life, at least I can do laundry, wash all the dishes again, clean the floor after someone walks on it leaving no marks, or rearrange household items to feel better.

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Fear of Contamination

This symptom often develops in combination with the previous one – whether you sterilize and

disinfect objects around you daily, change your clothes, wash your hands after you accidentally touch another person, the fear of getting infected or spreading the infection to others will considerably limit your freedom.

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Intrusive Thoughts

Excessive worry to the point of self-harm ideations occurs frequently in people

with OCD – they cannot stop thinking about painful memories, doubt their relationships with partners and friends, and even fantasize about killing themselves on a particularly dark day. Make sure you seek professional treatment if these distressing thoughts persist and become more and more frequent.

Show More Show Less

Obsessive Cleaning

Some individuals with OCD diagnosis do their chores every day – and sometimes

even several times per day. These routines and rituals help them feel in control – if I cannot impact other areas of my life, at least I can do laundry, wash all the dishes again, clean the floor after someone walks on it leaving no marks, or rearrange household items to feel better.

Show More Show Less

Fear of Contamination

This symptom often develops in combination with the previous one –

whether you sterilize and disinfect objects around you daily, change your clothes, wash your hands after you accidentally touch another person, the fear of getting infected or spreading the infection to others will considerably limit your freedom.

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Compulsive Arranging

The person with OCD is often consumed by the desire to put things in order – for example, they

cannot start work until all the items on their desk are arranged symmetrically. While the wish to be orderly and neat is actually a positive trait, it can become a real obstacle to overcome especially if a person’s mind is racing in case they cannot achieve visual symmetry.

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Hoarding

OCD can force the person to keep all the possessions and items they can get their hands

on. The house of an individual with this symptom will be messy and chaotic – they will not bear parting with useless stuff like old receipts, pizza boxes, and dirty plastic dishes. There are extra risks with this manifestation of OCD – you may be exposed to viruses and bacteria adding yet another problem to your life.

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Repetitive Checking

One of the main OCD compulsions is checking whether certain appliances are switched off, the

doors are closed, and the items are clean enough. It is a good habit to verify whether you left the lights on before leaving the building but when it becomes an obsession that controls the person, it indicates a deeper issue.

Show More Show Less

Compulsive Arranging

The person with OCD is often consumed by the desire to put things in order – for

example, they cannot start work until all the items on their desk are arranged symmetrically. While the wish to be orderly and neat is actually a positive trait, it can become a real obstacle to overcome especially if a person’s mind is racing in case they cannot achieve visual symmetry.

Show More Show Less

Hoarding

OCD can force the person to keep all the possessions and items they can

get their hands on. The house of an individual with this symptom will be messy and chaotic – they will not bear parting with useless stuff like old receipts, pizza boxes, and dirty plastic dishes. There are extra risks with this manifestation of OCD – you may be exposed to viruses and bacteria adding yet another problem to your life.

Show More Show Less

Repetitive Checking

One of the main OCD compulsions is checking whether certain appliances

are switched off, the doors are closed, and the items are clean enough. It is a good habit to verify whether you left the lights on before leaving the building but when it becomes an obsession that controls the person, it indicates a deeper issue.

Show More Show Less

Treatment Approaches for OCD at Treat Mental Health

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One-On-One Therapy

Private talks with a qualified therapist are going to be extremely useful for an individual struggling with OCD – they will learn how to ignore their unfounded fears and implement coping mechanisms that will not prevent them from enjoying their hobbies and working a job.

Group Counseling

OCD support groups can be the perfect environment for the person recently diagnosed with OCD as well as someone who has been struggling to manage their symptoms for many years. You get to meet people who understand what you have been going through since you were a kid, become a much better listener after your peers share their stories, and make new friends while undergoing treatment.

Exposure Therapy

It is essential to get rid of certain OCD obsessions by showing the patient there is nothing wrong or scary about specific objects or situations the person in question is fixated on. Working with a counselor, you will be exposed to your anxieties until you understand there is nothing to be concerned about – for instance, if you need to touch a doorknob several times before closing the door, the therapist will prove to you you can safely close the door without your ritual.

Relaxation Practices

A person with OCD will have increased levels of stress and anxiety – if you do not devote time to self-care prioritizing your mental well-being from time to time, the symptoms may get more severe as you are getting older. Our specialists will teach you how to take advantage of yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and aromatherapy so that even after OCD therapy is over, you know how to take care of your mental state at home.

Why Choose Treat Mental Health?

Extensive Experience

For years our counselors have been helping patients from different backgrounds to return to normal life through comprehensive OCD treatment – you can rely on us and trust us to treat you with respect, compassion, and full understanding. Unfortunately, some patients have a prejudice against therapy because they are worried about the judgment they will face during counseling sessions – this will not happen at our facility since we are committed to hearing your story and finding out how to guide you to recovery.

Supportive Community

It may be a tough challenge to cope with your OCD diagnosis alone which is why we will advise you to join a support group where you can meet your peers with the same condition or invite your closest family members to a counseling session to show them how they can accommodate you from now on.

Tailored Approach

There is no point in applying the same techniques and methods for every patient – every case is unique and requires a curated treatment plan. We are going to figure out what type of therapy will yield the best results and adjust the OCD medication if you need to take prescription drugs to manage your symptoms.

Accessible Therapy

Many people do not seek therapy in the first place because they do not want to put their lives on hold for a long treatment that will prevent them from going to work or taking care of their families. This will not be a problem at our facility – we offer virtual outpatient therapy that lets you stay home and undergo treatment when it is convenient for you.

Struggling With OCD? Treat Mental Health Offers Compassionate, Expert Care to Support You Every Step of the Way

Whether you have mild OCD or the symptoms became more serious as you grew older, there are ways to handle this problem. Moreover, certain manifestations of OCD such as compulsions over the smallest things can be fully eliminated as long as the right treatment program is selected. Contact us today – Treat Mental Health is going to evaluate your symptoms and pick therapeutic methods that will suit you best. Let us guide you towards recovery and a fulfilling life not overshadowed by OCD.

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Stacia Ponce-Rodriguez, LMFT

With 28 years in mental health and addiction care, Stacia specializes in supporting adults through complex challenges. She also teaches at the University of San Francisco, mentoring future therapists. A strong advocate for Telehealth, she blends clinical expertise with a passion for accessible, innovative care.