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Denver Therapy on Anxiety Disorders Blog 3: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Denver Therapy on Anxiety Disorders Blog 3: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) experience excessive, intrusive and undesirable ideas (obsessions) supported by compulsive actions whose purpose is to superstitiously reduce fear, anxiety,or the chances of catastrophe. These sufferers frequently recognize that their obsessive ideas and compulsive actions are exaggerated and even irrational, but nonetheless they feel at a loss to face up to or discontinue them.

It’s normal, occasionally, to do things like: 1) worry about the well-being of a family member; or 2) check and see if the stove is on; or 3) avoid touching dirty things. But OCD sufferers take these fears and concerns to extremes, and it’s not unusual for them to take an hour or more checking various potential danger spots in the house before being able to leave…or to take showers lasting an hour or more after coming into contact with a perceived contaminant.

There are several variations of OCD as well as effective treatments (behavioral and pharmacological). We will be discussing these and other OCD topics in upcoming blogs.

It is easy to find and schedule an appointment with one of our therapists and counselors specialized in OCD.

 

Additional Resources for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder