Hands of two people talking during OCD therapy session

OCD Therapy Manhattan

Effective Treatments for Lasting Relief

Most of us have heard the term OCD used in a casual way, to refer to someone who has high standards of cleanliness or organization. However, this disorder is more than just the need for a clean kitchen. OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a disorder that involves recurring thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that compel a person to engage in behaviors (compulsions) repeatedly. 

This pattern of thoughts and behaviors can be very difficult to live with, making it hard to function in daily life.

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What Is OCD? 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) in an attempt to alleviate the anxiety caused by these thoughts. While it’s normal for people to occasionally experience intrusive thoughts or fixations, most can manage or suppress them. 

In contrast, individuals with OCD find it nearly impossible to control these thoughts, which can lead to significant distress.

How OCD Behaviors Develop

To cope with these overwhelming thoughts, individuals with OCD develop compulsive behaviors. These actions offer temporary relief by reducing the anxiety triggered by obsessions. However, this relief is short-lived, and the anxiety quickly returns, prompting the individual to repeat the behavior. Over time, these behaviors become ritualistic, reinforcing the cycle of OCD.

The Cycle of OCD

  • Obsessions lead to anxiety.

  • Compulsions temporarily alleviate this anxiety.

  • Repeating compulsions strengthens the cycle, making it harder to break free.

Despite understanding that these thoughts and behaviors are irrational, those with OCD struggle to stop or control them, creating a significant barrier to managing daily life. For a formal diagnosis, OCD must interfere with daily functioning, with obsessions and compulsions taking up more than one hour each day and causing substantial distress.

Variability in OCD

OCD is a chronic condition, and its severity can fluctuate throughout a person’s life. Symptoms may worsen during times of stress and can range from mild to debilitating. Additionally, the specific obsessions and compulsions may evolve over time, making OCD a highly individualized disorder. Some individuals may find it more challenging to manage their symptoms than others.

Woman aligning pens perfectly showing OCD behavior

Who is Affected by OCD?

OCD affects 1.2% of U.S. adults aged 18+, with a higher prevalence in females (1.8%) than males (0.5%). The lifetime prevalence is 2.3%. Symptoms typically emerge in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, often by age 10 or in the early twenties, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

The severity of symptoms varies, with some individuals managing mild symptoms, while others experience significant disruptions to daily life. Stressful periods can worsen symptoms, and the condition often fluctuates over time. 

OCD can impact people of any age, gender, or background, making it a widespread issue that benefits from early diagnosis and targeted treatment to help individuals regain control of their lives.

Woman sitting alone looking lost in deep thoughts

Symptoms of OCD

Those with OCD may have obsessions, compulsions, or a combination of the two. These can affect all areas of one’s life, making it difficult to function normally, maintain relationships, and meet responsibilities. 

The obsessions that those with OCD experience are intrusive, meaning they enter the brain even when the person is trying to focus on other things. Obsessions feel out of the patient’s control and cannot be ignored or pushed away.

Obsessions

Obsessions, which are unwanted thoughts, urges, and images, often have a specific focus, and the compulsions are usually related. For instance, a common theme of OCD is a fear of germs, and the behavior that often follows is compulsive hand washing.

Someone with this fear may wash his/her hands until they’re chapped and painful to alleviate the anxiety about germ contamination. Obsessions typically go hand-in-hand with intense feelings of fear, uncertainty, doubt, or discomfort.

Some common themes of OCD obsessions include:

  • Fear of germs or dirt

  • A need for symmetry/order in one’s surroundings

  • Difficulty with uncertainty

  • Thoughts about losing control or harming oneself or others

  • Unwanted thoughts that may be aggressive or sexual

  • Worry that something isn’t complete, such as the door not being locked

  • Thoughts about behaving inappropriately in public

  • Offensive religious thoughts

Compulsions

The compulsions that occur in OCD are repetitive actions that one feels obligated to do in order to decrease the anxiety that one’s obsessions cause. These compulsions often feel like the only way to prevent something terrible from happening. Acting out these compulsions isn’t enjoyable for those with OCD, but it offers temporary relief from the anxiety caused by the obsessions.

Someone with OCD might create elaborate rituals to combat the anxiety of the obsession, which can often seem unrelated to the fear or issue that the obsession centers on. Just like with obsessions, there are common themes of compulsions.

Common OCD compulsions include:

  1. Checking (e.g., windows, doors, text messages, lights, stove)

  2. Counting or keeping track of numbers

  3. Neatness or symmetry in how items are arranged

  4. Cleanliness or washing (e.g., excessive hand washing)

  5. Reassurance-seeking (e.g., repeatedly asking a partner if they love you)

  6. Strict routines (e.g., needing to perform tasks in a particular order)

  7. Repeating words or phrases to ease anxiety

Along with engaging in these repetitive behaviors to ease anxiety, those with OCD might avoid situations that bring anxiety or trigger their obsessions. This can be an added disruption to their daily life that makes it difficult to meet their obligations. 

Along with obsessions and compulsions, a number of people with OCD also have a tic disorder, which can involve movement-based motor or vocal tics.

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Risk Factors of OCD

Although the exact causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are not fully understood, research has identified several factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

1. Genetics

Individuals with a close family member who has OCD are at a higher risk of developing the disorder themselves. Genetics can play a significant role in how OCD is inherited, though it’s not solely determined by genetics.

2. Brain Structure

Studies have shown that people with OCD often exhibit abnormalities in the frontal cortex and subcortical structures of the brain. These areas, involved in controlling behavior and emotional responses, are linked to the development of OCD symptoms. 

3. Environment

Environmental factors, such as childhood trauma or high levels of stress, can contribute to the onset or exacerbation of OCD symptoms. Specific traumatic events or ongoing stress may trigger the disorder, although further research is needed to understand these connections more clearly.

OCD Care: Effective Treatments for Managing OCD

Although OCD is considered one of the most debilitating mental illnesses to live with, it can be managed with a variety of treatments. OCD interventions can improve one’s quality of life, daily functioning, and personal relationships. Some popular treatments for OCD are:

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

This type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the gold standard for treating OCD. It involves exposing patients to the images and situations that their obsessions focus on, then helping patients to resist the urge to follow their compulsions. Patients eventually learn how to cope with their thoughts and anxieties without engaging in compulsive behaviors. Despite the initial difficulty of this treatment, it’s the leading intervention for OCD.

Medications

Medications called SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are one treatment option for OCD. SSRIs are often used for depression, but they have also been shown to help patients with OCD. For those suffering from severe OCD, the best treatment is a combination of medication and CBT, including ERP.

Neurosurgical Treatment (TMS)

TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a new treatment for OCD that patients may be recommended to use if medications and CBT aren’t effective. TMS is a way to change brain activity using magnetic fields, which can stimulate the specific areas of the brain that are involved in OCD.

Therapist and patient discussing OCD
Woman preparing to take medication for OCD

Take Control of Your OCD Today

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. At CBT/EMDR Associates of New York, we specialize in OCD therapy Manhattan to help individuals break free from the grip of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. 

Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and innovative treatments like TMS, our expert therapists offer a tailored approach to meet your unique needs.

If you're ready to take the first step toward healing and regaining control of your life, we are here to help. Book a free consultation with us today and start your journey toward lasting change.

Contact us now to learn more about our therapy options, or to schedule your first session.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors) are the primary symptoms of OCD. Common obsessions include fears of contamination or harming others, while compulsions often involve actions like washing, checking, or counting. These behaviors temporarily relieve anxiety but reinforce the cycle of OCD, making it difficult to break free.

  • Yes, OCD is treatable. The most effective treatments are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), especially Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and medications like SSRIs. TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is another option for severe cases. With the right therapy, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives.

  • The first step in treating OCD is recognizing that you need help and reaching out to a professional. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. A licensed therapist will conduct an evaluation and recommend a treatment plan that may include CBT, ERP, or medication. Taking the first step is key to managing OCD effectively.

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a type of CBT specifically designed to treat OCD. It involves gradually exposing the patient to their obsessions (triggers) and helping them resist performing the compulsive behaviors they typically use to reduce anxiety. Over time, ERP helps break the cycle of OCD, allowing the patient to gain better control over their thoughts and actions.

  • Yes, OCD symptoms can fluctuate and often worsen during stressful times. The intensity of symptoms varies by individual, with some experiencing mild, manageable symptoms and others facing debilitating effects. However, with the right treatment, including CBT and ERP, many individuals can learn to manage and reduce the severity of their symptoms.