Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment Center in Malibu 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly called OCD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by repetitive behaviors stemming from invasive thoughts that produce uneasiness, anxiety, fear or worry. The behaviors associated with OCD are uncontrollable; the individual viscerally experiences the sensation that serious consequences will occur if they do not complete certain actions. This feeling may emerge at any time without warning, driving an individual with OCD to feel a deep urge to abandon any other tasks at hand and perform a different set of actions. As a result, this disorder may be incredibly disruptive to normal daily activities and can prevent someone with OCD from participating fully in everyday life. Sufferers of the disorder are often under severe emotional and financial distress due to its alienating and time-consuming nature.

Several modern treatment modalities are available to help individuals with OCD. Specific methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are aimed at retraining the brain to recognize and control intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. In combination with a full regimen of psychotherapy, medication as needed or interventions for co-occurring disorders, treatment for OCD typically has positive outcomes. At Avalon’s Los Angeles-area treatment center, our expert team provides targeted behavioral healthcare for individuals who are struggling with OCD as well as specialized treatment for those who have a co-occurring substance use disorder with OCD.

Defining Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders notes two main diagnostic features of OCD: obsessions, or intrusive thoughts; and compulsions, or uncontrolled repetitive behaviors. The compulsions are typically performed in response to the obsessions. And, while the affected individual does not feel pleasure from performing the compulsive behavior, they may feel relief from any anxiety or fear related to the obsessive thought.

The compulsions of OCD may appear strange or even quirky to some people, as the behaviors can include seemingly innocuous patterns like double- or triple-checking locks, turning light switches on and off, organizing drawer contents or eating foods on a plate in a specific order. But the underlying mechanisms of these actions are not to be taken lightly, despite how they may appear on the surface. The individual is likely experiencing severe distress. If ignored, OCD may come to include more dangerous compulsions like scratching, skin picking, hair pulling or self-harm.

In more acute cases, people who experience obsessive-compulsive disorder may appear paranoid and even psychotic. OCD sufferers often recognize that their obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable, and they may become more distressed by the realization of their own behavior. The difficulty in changing their behavior alone often compounds the problem, and the cycle of obsessive thoughts and actions continues. Even with the irrational behaviors, though, OCD can be associated with above-average intelligence. Individuals who endure OCD tend to share personality traits that may include:

• High attention to detail
• Avoidance of risk
• Careful planning
• An inflated sense of dependability
• Propensity to be indecisive or take time in making decisions

When OCD is successfully controlled with treatment and mental health management techniques, affected individuals have a high chance of leading a successful and fulfilling personal and professional life.