Adult
Exposure Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Adult Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Therapy
Overview
Most people occasionally have distressing thoughts or engage in repetitive behaviors that do not disrupt their daily lives. With OCD in adults, thoughts are recurrent and persistent, and behaviors are so rigid that they may make a routine impossible. OCD is characterized by uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts and repetitive, ritualized behaviors a person feels compelled to perform. Some people with OCD may recognize that their obsessions are irrational, but they cannot resist them. OCD causes the brain to get stuck on a particular thought or urge. For example, you may excessively double-check things, spend a lot of time washing or cleaning, ordering and arranging things, or accumulate a lot of unnecessary items. If you have OCD, you may feel embarrassed, but treatment can help. Our OCD therapists in CT and NY can help you manage your symptoms and learn coping skills to live a life free of obsessions.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Adult OCD Symptoms
Symptoms typically begin gradually and vary in severity throughout life. The types of obsessions and compulsions a person experiences can also change over time. Often, symptoms worsen as stress increases. Obsessive fears and compulsive behaviors may also be learned from watching other people, such as family members. The risk factors for OCD include family history, traumatic or stressful life events, and other mental health disorders.
The Defining Feature
The defining feature of obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviors is that they are repetitive and excessive. They almost always interfere with daily tasks and social interactions. People with OCD may spend hours each day on their compulsions, like cleaning or hand washing or go out of their way to avoid triggers. Although they may be aware that their behaviors are not logical, they feel anxious and distressed until they act out the compulsion.
The Vicious Cycle
OCD is often described as a “vicious cycle.” Compulsions are performed in an attempt to alleviate obsessive thoughts. This behavior provides only temporary relief, but the person experiences severe distress if they don’t follow through. The obsessive thoughts keep coming back, leading to more compulsive behaviors. Eventually, acting on compulsive rituals and behaviors causes additional anxiety as they become increasingly demanding and time-consuming. This cycle can severely impact the quality of life.
Symptoms and Challenges: The Signs of OCD in Adults
OCD symptoms are categorized as obsessions or compulsions.
Obsessions are unwanted and recurrent thoughts, images, or impulses. These thoughts can be rooted in fear, guilt, or disgust and can cause severe anxiety or distress, especially when they don’t match a person’s character or values.
Obsessive Symptoms in OCD
- Difficulty tolerating uncertainty
- Fear of dirt, germs, or contamination
- Needing things to be orderly or symmetrical
- Worries about acting inappropriately in public
- Disturbing thoughts about losing control and harming oneself or others
- Unwanted taboo thoughts about subjects such as sex or religion
- Avoidance of situations that may trigger obsessions
Compulsive Symptoms in OCD
- Checking
- Counting
- Tapping
- Cleaning
- Repeating
- Rearranging
- Undoing
- Following a strict routine
Why is it Important to Seek Treatment?
Simply trying to ignore or stop OCD symptoms only increases the distress and anxiety the disorder causes. If left untreated, OCD can last a lifetime, leading to additional challenges, including:
- Difficulties in professional, academic, or social settings
- Troubled relationships
- Excessive time spent on ritualistic behaviors
- Health issues
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Overall poor quality of life
Treatment for OCD
Managing OCD involves identifying triggers, challenging obsessive thoughts, learning to resist compulsions, making lifestyle changes, and building tools for coping with anxiety. GPG’s clinicians use cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure-response prevention (ERP) therapy to accomplish these goals. The treatment includes in-office or video sessions as well as exercises to practice between sessions.
CBT helps recognize that your brain is sending erroneous messages. Our expert clinician will help you learn to identify these messages and respond to them in ways that help curb symptoms. Our clinicians will help you focus on the meaning you attach to specific experiences and help you respond to them more effectively. Helping you step back from your thoughts and observe them objectively allows you to interpret those thoughts in new ways and take a more realistic perspective.
Exposure therapy is a form of CBT. In exposure therapy, people who have OCD are gradually exposed to their obsessions in a controlled environment and asked not to perform the compulsions that usually alleviate their anxiety. Our clinicians are very sensitive to the willpower it takes to change your patterns, so we ensure that each exposure is done at your pace. We begin with the mildest fears and working up to your most challenging triggers. Over time, the delayed response to your obsession will help you learn to control your OCD. Your brain will ultimately learn that nothing terrible will occur when you stop your compulsive behaviors.
The ultimate objective of OCD therapy is to reduce your anxiety, resist your compulsions and embrace new ways of being rather than fear it. Although this may seem like a distant goal, it is achievable. You can break free from OCD’s constraints on your life and regain control once and for all.OCD support groups and Greenwich Psychology Group’s OCD treatment centers in Connecticut and New York can help individuals suffering from this disorder to live a happier and more comfortable life.
Take the GPG Symptom Checker
At Greenwich Psychology Group, our symptom checker helps clients track their symptoms of depression or anxiety. Taking the assessment doesn't provide a formal diagnosis, but it can help you determine what next steps you may need to take. The evaluation uses a series of questions to review the feelings and symptoms you've experienced over the past two weeks. The results will help you distinguish if professional help is the best next step.
BeginLatest Topics
Blog Articles
Most recent publications, interviews, blogs, and tips.
Book a Consultation
Hours of Operation
Mon – Sat: 8am to 8pm
Office Address
15 Valley Drive 1st Floor
Greenwich, CT 06831