Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, repetitive thoughts or behaviors. Often, the person has lived with this condition for a while and does not remember life before it, so they aren’t necessarily aware they even have OCD. And yet, treatment for OCD is essential to lessen the condition’s impact and prevent symptoms from spiraling further. So, you might be wondering if OCD treatment centers exist. Yes, they do. Rehab facilities offer inpatient OCD treatment as well as outpatient therapy programs. Keep reading to understand what treatment for OCD can look like and what you can expect.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic mental health condition in which a person has obsessions and compulsions that interrupt their daily life and impact their work, relationships and overall quality of life. The disease is often characterized as having obsessive thoughts that only a compulsion can calm. Although some people only have obsessive thoughts, and others only have compulsions.
OCD doesn’t have a cure, but treatment can help manage the condition’s symptoms.
It’s estimated that 2.5 million adults have obsessive-compulsive disorder, impacting 1.2% of the US population. The condition is common, and women are three times more likely to have the condition than men. The average onset of OCD is at 19 years of age, although 25% of cases occur by the age of 14.
OCD Diagnosis
We often hear people use the phrase “OCD” relatively lightly. People who like to have their things color-coded or neatly organized may joke that it’s their “OCD” behavior. In reality, OCD is an unwanted chronic condition that often presents itself in a much more serious light.
Most people have unwanted thoughts or behaviors sometimes. However, when it crosses over into repetitive and uncontrollable, it becomes a problem.
Wanting to keep things organized is a preference, not OCD. Obsessive-compulsive disorder may look like being unable to a room until you’ve put every book on the bookshelf back into its “proper order.” Or not being able to sleep until you’ve touched every doorknob in the house three times. Or, plucking your eyebrows until they’re almost non-existent.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is often disruptive and can cause distress or impact a person’s ability to continue with regular activities.
Individuals should seek a diagnosis if they believe they may have OCD and it’s disrupting their ability to live their regular life or causing distress.
Symptoms of OCD
Obsessive-compuslive disorder is characterized by two symptoms: obsessive thoughts and compulsions. Obsessive thoughts often have an overall theme, and thoughts tend to fixate on that theme. Some common themes are
- A fear of germs
- An extreme need for order and tidiness
- Fear of hurting yourself or others
- The fear of making a mistake or being wrong
- Fear of embarrassment
Compulsions often have themes too, which coordinate to soothe obsessive thoughts. Some common compulsions are:
- Washing or cleaning
- Repeatedly checking
- Counting
- Strict adherence to order
- Routine
- Collecting or hoarding
Some people will experience obsessive thoughts or compulsions outside of these general themes, but these are the most common presentations of OCD. Additionally, many people may experience multiple themes – such as an obsession with cleaning and a fear of being wrong.
Should You Just Try to Treat It Yourself?
People who don’t know about rehab for obsessive-compulsive disorder or don’t understand the full impact of the condition may think it’s appropriate to treat OCD on their own. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health disorder and isn’t something that will resolve on its own. And, while there is no cure, there is a lot individuals can do to manage the symptoms and side effects of the condition.
Most mental health disorders can’t — and shouldn’t — be treated on their own. A professional can provide outside perspective and guidance on what to do.
You wouldn’t try to fix your own teeth; you go to a dentist when you have teeth issues. Well, the mind is no different. If you have a mental health condition, you should seek the help of a mental health professional.
What Does OCD Treatment Look Like
There are two main treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder: therapy and medication. Therapy helps the individual learn how to face their obsessive thoughts without giving in to convulsions — for example, learning how to leave a room without turning the lights on and off five times in a row.
Additionally, some patients are given antidepressants to help balance the chemicals in the brain in an attempt to quiet obsessive thoughts.
Ultimately, you’ll work with a mental health professional to determine if medication is right for you. While therapy is always recommended, medication isn’t always necessary, and the choice remains with the patient.
Individuals can choose to seek help at an OCD treatment center. These facilities offer outpatient and residential treatment for OCD. Patients with more severe cases may greatly benefit from a residential OCD rehab so they can focus on getting better without triggers before making a gradual reintegration back into their day-to-day routine.
Could Your Symptoms Be a Sign of Something Else?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is often misdiagnosed for other conditions, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), schizophrenia and perfectionism. One study found that half of OCD cases are misdiagnosed. Some estimations state that the average person with OCD will see three or four doctors and spend around nine years looking for treatment before receiving a correct diagnosis.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be tricky to diagnose and has overlapping symptoms with other mental health conditions. That’s why it’s essential to seek professional help as quickly as possible. The sooner a correct diagnosis can be made, the sooner you can get the help you need.
Consider Obsessive-Compulsive Rehab
So, wondering is there rehab for obsessive-compulsive disorder? The answer is yes.
You can go to a mental health treatment center and receive the treatment you need to get this condition under control. Treatment can include one-on-one therapy, group therapy, medications and education on the disease. Learning more about the disorder can often help with acceptance, self-love and self-understanding.
How to Know if You Should Seek Professional Help for Your OCD
You should always seek professional help for obsessive-compulsive disorder. This isn’t a condition that will “go away,” and symptoms can often worsen if treatment isn’t started. If an individual doesn’t know how to cope with their obsessive thoughts and keep compulsions at bay, the thoughts can significantly interfere with their daily life.
Enroll in Residential OCD rehab at Restore Mental Health
A better life is possible with treatment. Your thoughts and compulsions don’t have to control you or impact how you live your life. Restore is a comprehensive mental health facility that helps individuals get the treatment they need so they can heal. Find out how we can help you today.
