Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: What is it?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder that affects 2.5 million adults in the United States. It is estimated that 1-3% of the population struggles with it daily. OCD and anxiety disorders are commonly connected to each other. While the term is wrongly used in popular culture, the symptoms of OCD are not to be taken lightly.
OCD Symptoms include symptoms of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessive thoughts cause anxiety and distress. People with OCD tend to follow these obsessions with compulsions. Compulsions reduce the anxiety that comes from the obsessions. Compulsions can manifest as physical rituals like someone excessively washing their hands. They can also be mental habits, such as someone mentally repeating a phrase. OCD is typically a mix of both; Having one or the other can still lead to a diagnosis.
Types of OCD
Contamination OCD is characterized by being fearful of germs. People with contamination OCD obsess over being clean or disease-free, which can lead to hand washing or over-disinfection.
Checking OCD is a type of OCD that includes having compulsions to constantly check things. For example, someone with checking OCD might repeatedly check to make sure that doors are locked and appliances are turned off.
Just Right OCD is defined as feeling the need to reach perfection, even in minor tasks. Just Right OCD can lead to behaviors such as arranging things to be perfectly symmetrical.
Harm OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts about causing harm to yourself or others. Harm OCD can lead to distrusting yourself, resulting in, for instance, removing all sharp objects from a space to cope with the fear of causing harm.
Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD), or Homosexual OCD (HOCD) involves anxiety and distress about one's sexual orientation. Someone with this form of OCD might fear being queer despite any evidence to support this.
Relationship OCD (ROCD) refers to doubting your relationship without any cause. Unhealthy compulsions that come with Relationship OCD, like persistently seeking reassurance, can put a strain on both you and your partner.
Religious OCD (Scrupulosity OCD) affects those who are fearful of sinning or having moral shortcomings. Compulsions in Scrupulosity OCD can look like self-punishing behaviors as a form of penance or excessive praying.
Pure Obsessional OCD (Pure O) differs from typical OCD symptoms. Compulsions occur in the person's thoughts, not their physical actions.
Superstitious OCD is an unhealthy fixation on superstitious beliefs, such as whether one number feels luckier than others.
Mental Contamination OCD has many of the same properties as contamination OCD. However, people struggling with this type fear being emotionally dirty, often due to having "impure thoughts."
Counting OCD involves counting things in certain ways to stop intrusive thoughts. Feeling compelled to count actions or objects following certain patterns until they feel “just right” is a trait of this subtype.
What Causes OCD?
Like many mental health conditions, the exact cause of OCD symptoms isn't tied to a single event or specific chemical imbalances. Instead, OCD is often thought to come from a mix of genetics and life experiences. Both a person's biology and life events can play a role in how OCD develops.
Genetic Factors of OCD: Research on OCD suggests a genetic link. Twin studies compare identical and fraternal twins to isolate genetics from environmental influences. These studies show higher OCD rates in identical twins because they share the same DNA. However, cases where only one identical twin has OCD indicate that environmental factors also play a role.
Environmental Factors of OCD: What happens to us in our environment leaves a lasting impression on our brains. Infants who experience head trauma or other forms of neurological distress, like meningitis, are more likely to develop OCD later in life. Similarly, as some research suggests, the compulsion aspect of neutralizing an obsessive thought could be a learned behavior. Children who experience trauma, neglect, and abuse may adopt compulsive habits. These habits may be a method to cope with the anxiety-inducing thoughts brought on by their environment.
Using CBT Techniques to Treat OCD
While we can't be sure about the cause of OCD, we can be sure about the treatment for OCD. Living with OCD symptoms can take up hours of someone’s day and affect relationships and work, and this can last for many years. Fortunately, the treatment for OCD is highly effective and usually only takes 3-4 months.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a thoroughly researched method of therapy, proves to be the most effective psychological treatment for OCD. CBT’s focuses on the relationship between thoughts and behaviors. The goal-oriented approach of CBT allows people with OCD to gain the sense of control that they once felt prior to having OCD. This occurs when deep-rooted, dysfunctional beliefs are restructured, leading to a decrease in compulsive behaviors.
CBT treatment can last anywhere between 16 to 20 therapy sessions. The adaptable structure of CBT allows it to be customized to the individual, tailored to their individual needs and preferences. No matter what form of OCD a client has, obsessions and compulsions can be reduced when working with a CBT-trained therapist.
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy for OCD
Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) remains the “gold standard” in OCD treatment, with the majority of people experiencing significant relief from OCD by the end of treatment. Those with OCD symptoms will find ERP most helpful because of the structure of exposure therapy, which involves gradually learning to face your fears with confidence and ease.
ERP relies on a systematic method of confronting the thoughts and situations that trigger anxiety. This includes making a list of anxiety-provoking situations, ranked from least to most upsetting. Starting at the least distressing situation, the client will lean into the feelings the situation brings up. They then work with the therapist to resist the urge to use compulsive behaviors while using coping skills they learn in therapy. Under the guidance of the therapist, the client master's each situation on the list until the most daunting situation becomes comfortable.
Cognitive Restructuring as Treatment for OCD
In cognitive therapy, cognitive restructuring helps clients recognize their negative thought patterns and learn how to replace them with positive ones. Cognitive restructuring is great for reducing OCD symptoms because it teaches clients to de-fuse from their thoughts, and gain more confidence challenging beliefs.
Mindfulness Training as Treatment for OCD
Mindfulness is about being fully rooted in the present. Practicing mindfulness gives you the chance to observe your thoughts from a third-person point of view. In this state, it’s easier to recognize that thoughts do not make up who you are. Mindfulness also helps us intentionally examine our thoughts: What am I feeling right now? What thoughts led me to this point? How can I change my thoughts to change my behaviors?
Mindfulness is beneficial for people with OCD symptoms because it helps them to back away from the false assumptions brought on by negative thoughts. They then can release the judgment they inflict on themselves for having those thoughts in the first place.
Benefits of CBT Techniques for OCD
CBT alone has been shown through extensive research to be the most effective treatment for OCD. It focuses on the long-term well-being of the client by building resilience and strength of mind. With the help of a therapist, the client will have more control over their thoughts, which is invaluable to a person struggling with OCD symptoms.
Research shows about 80% of people who undergo ERP or cognitive therapy for OCD will show significant improvements. Medication is also a viable method of treatment. However, anywhere between 50-60% of clients will relapse when medication is stopped. In contrast, CBT equips those with the skill set needed to pave the way to the path of lasting recovery.
Our OCD Treatment Program at CBT Los Angeles
Treating OCD with Qualified CBT Therapists
With locations in and around Los Angeles, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy L.A. has a team of psychologists ready to treat everyone with compassion. Our therapists are experts in treating many mental health disorders, with some teaching at highly-ranked clinical psychology PhD programs.
Our therapists stay current on the latest therapy techniques to provide the best treatment for their clients. Their devotion to the highest level of care shows in their commitment to excellence.
Tailored Therapeutic OCD Treatment
Flexibility is a cornerstone of therapy at Cognitive Behavioral Therapy LA. We know that life looks different for everyone, and therapy should, too. We have two locations that provide face-to-face therapy. Our West Side center for the treatment of OCD is in Brentwood, near UCLA. Our East Side office is in Glendale, close to Silverlake, Los Feliz, and Echo Park. Virtual sessions are also available with any of our cliniciansmaking it easy to access exceptional services from the comfort of your own home. Your well-being is our priority-- and our devoted team is here to provide care.
Find a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Expert
Taking the first step to reach out for support can be a difficult decision, but ultimately the right one. Our therapists are accepting new clients and are ready to design a high-quality treatment plan specifically for you.
Reach Out for Effective Science-Based Therapy Today
We know that OCD symptoms may disrupt your daily life, and we are here to help. Contact our qualified CBT therapists at Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles today to take the first step in getting your life back.
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