Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive behaviors (compulsions). 

Before treatment, the obsessions and compulsions can be extremely time consuming. 

People with OCD have obsessive thoughts and urges (obsession) that cause anxiety and discomfort unless they engage in mental or physical behaviors (compulsions) to settle the anxiety. 

Effective treatment for OCD breaks the hold that obsessions and compulsions have over your life. You will slowly start to gain the courage and confidence to recognize your thoughts and feelings and resist compulsions. You will start to live the life you want, rather than letting fear and anxiety dictate you. 

Our highly trained and compassionate therapists for OCD in Massachusetts are here to safely support you with effective treatment and therapy. To start working with one of our therapists for OCD in Amherst, Franklin, West Springfield, Wilbraham, or Natick Massachusetts, or online throughout the state, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

What is OCD?

Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a mental health condition characterized by experiencing a pattern of intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions), which result in performing repetitive or ritualistic behaviors (compulsions). 

Before having its own category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, OCD was considered a type of anxiety disorder.  

People often misunderstand what OCD is and might use the term when they feel a sense of frustration seeing their unorganized desk. 

If you feel an overwhelming and intense attachment to engage in a physical or mental ritual, born from a disturbing or unwanted thought, then it’s important to seek treatment and therapy from a trained mental health professional. 

Note: If you occasionally experience distressing thoughts or urges to perform repetitive behaviors, it does not necessarily mean that you have OCD. 

To be diagnosed with OCD, you’ll need to talk to a trained mental health professional about your symptoms. You’ll be asked about your thoughts and behaviors, and how much time they take on a daily basis. You’ll also be asked about any medical and mental health history.

What’s the Difference Between Obsessions and Compulsions?

Obsessions are involuntary thoughts, images, or impulses which result in intense feelings of discomfort, anxiety, or fear. They are typically disruptive and disturbing.

Compulsions are behaviors or rituals that a person feels compelled to perform in an attempt to alleviate the anxiety and discomfort which arises from the obsession. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of OCD?

People with OCD may experience symptoms of obsessions, compulsions, or both. 

Due to their intense and demanding nature, the symptoms of OCD can interfere with a person’s daily life, including relationships, work, school, and responsibilities. 

You might have trouble getting to work on time, or getting ready for bed at a reasonable time due to the symptoms. While you may know that these symptoms are interfering with your life, you can’t seem to stop them. 

If you or your loved one has symptoms of OCD that interfere with your/their daily life, it’s important to talk to a trained mental health professional. 

Examples of obsessions in OCD 

• Fear of getting contaminated by people or the environment
• Disturbing sexual thoughts or images
• Fear of blurting out obscenities or insults
• Extreme concern with order, symmetry, or precision
• Recurrent intrusive thoughts of sounds, images, words, or numbers
• Fear of losing or discarding something important 

Examples of compulsions in OCD

• Excessive or naturalized hand washing, showering, brushing teeth, or toileting
• Repeated cleaning of household objects
• Ordering or arranging things in a particular way
• Repeatedly checking locks, switches, or appliances
• Constantly seeking approval or reassurance
• Repeated counting to a certain number

What Does Treatment for OCD Involve?

The most common treatment plan for OCD involves a combination of talk therapy and medication. 

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy focuses on how your thoughts, feelings, and attitudes affect your behaviors and physical reactions involved in OCD. Your therapist will help you identify and understand patterns of thought that cause anxiety, distress, or negative behaviors. You will learn to adopt new attitudes and strategies to respond to your thoughts in healthier ways.
2. Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) is the primary type of therapy for treating OCD, falling under the umbrella of CBT. It encourages you to confront and accept your obsessions, and resist the urge to perform compulsions. You’ll work with your therapist to identify and rank your obsessions and compulsions from least to greatest distress. Then, you’ll begin to face your fears, starting with the least intrusive ones. Your therapist might suggest exposure therapy by gradually exposing you to situations you find uncomfortable, slowly increasing the duration and frequency of exposure. Overtime, by confronting your fear and resisting the urge to avoid it, you can reclaim your confidence and ability to live without excessive anxiety. 
3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of OCD. ACT teaches that our thoughts and feelings are not inherently problematic, but when our mind’s constant warnings and attachments hook us, we neglect to experience what’s important and instead, go for quick fixes to avoid distress or discomfort. ACT teaches us psychological flexibility, so that we can lean into our discomfort or distress with curiosity and compassion, and make decisions from a place of centeredness. The core principles of ACT can be summarized as:

• Being present in the moment. 
• Opening up to whatever thoughts and feelings arise without resisting them
• Doing what matters to you and taking intentional steps toward being the person you would like to be. 

4. Medications will be discussed and prescribed by a trained psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. You will work with your psychiatrist to develop a medication management plan to stay organized with your intake and note signs of improvement.

Find OCD Treatment and Therapy in Massachusetts Today:

Handel Behavioral Health offers OCD treatment that is highly professional, affordable, and holistic. 

If you’re struggling with constant thoughts, fears, or behaviors that prevent you from living the life that you deserve, then we are here to support you. You no longer have to allow OCD to control your day-to-day life and cause you distress. 

Our OCD trained therapists are available for appointments online in Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, Franklin, West Springfield, Wilbraham, or Natick Massachusetts.

To start working with one of our therapists, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

About The Author