Colorado OCD
& Anxiety Treatment
OCD & Anxiety
OCD and anxiety can be effectively treated using a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Inference Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other forms of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The specific approach is tailored based on the individual’s diagnosis and treatment goals.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform in response to those thoughts. These thoughts and actions often interfere with daily life, causing significant distress and anxiety.
Here’s a closer look at the two main components of OCD:
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Obsessions: These are unwanted, distressing thoughts, urges, or mental images that repeatedly enter the mind. Common examples include fears of contamination, worries about harm coming to oneself or others, or intrusive thoughts about being responsible for something bad happening.
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Compulsions: In response to these obsessions, individuals with OCD feel compelled to engage in certain behaviors or mental rituals to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions or to prevent a feared event. For example, someone might wash their hands excessively to reduce the fear of germs or perform repetitive checking behaviors to ensure something is secure.
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OCD can vary widely in its severity, with some individuals experiencing only mild discomfort, while others may find their daily activities severely impacted. The disorder often leads to significant time-consuming rituals and can cause considerable distress if not properly managed.
Treatment for OCD typically involves Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly a specialized approach called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which helps individuals confront feared situations and reduce the compulsive behaviors that follow. Another effective option is Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), which focuses on helping clients distinguish rational thoughts from intrusive, obsessive ones. Our treatment plans often incorporate a combination of both modalities.
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OCD is a highly treatable condition, but without proper treatment, it can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.​​​