Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that causes recurring unwanted thoughts and behaviors. Thomas A. Arzt, LCSW, BCD, is an experienced licensed clinical social worker in Miller Place, New York, who treats OCD and any co-occurring mental health conditions like depression and attention deficit disorder (ADD). Call the office or click the online booking button to get personalized OCD psychotherapy. 

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition that causes recurring unwanted thoughts or urges that trigger anxiety and a compulsive need to engage in behaviors or rituals to ease the anxiety.

OCD is a common long-term condition. It’s considered one of the “spectrum disorders” and may occur alone or in combination with other psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, or attention deficit disorder (ADD). 

What are the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

OCD symptoms include obsessions, compulsions, or both.

Obsessions

Obsessions are the recurring thoughts, images, or impulses that trigger distressing emotions like anxiety or disgust. People with OCD know their obsessions are excessive and a product of their minds. However, the distressing emotions caused by the obsession outweighs logic and reasoning.

Fear of germs, need for symmetry and order, and excessive worry over losing something important are examples of obsessions.

Compulsions

Compulsions are the behaviors someone with OCD needs to engage in to ease emotional distress. Frequent handwashing, constant reordering of items, and frequent counting and checking are examples of compulsive behaviors.

Though it’s not uncommon to worry about germs or want to keep things in a specific order, with OCD, the thoughts and behaviors take hours of their time, interfering with their daily life. 

What happens during an obsessive-compulsive disorder assessment?

Tom is an experienced licensed clinical social worker who uses the medical model for your OCD assessment. This model allows him to get a more holistic view of your condition, helping him better understand the relationship between your mind, emotions, and body.

Your OCD assessment also helps him find any co-occurring conditions.

What therapies benefit obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Tom customizes your OCD therapy plan based on the results of your assessment. Your plan may include a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) called exposure and response prevention. 

During therapy, Tom exposes you to the thoughts or images that trigger the distressing emotions. He then instructs you to avoid performing your compulsive behavior. Allowing you to remain distressed in a safe environment gives you a chance to ride out the feeling and see that nothing terrible will happen.

This form of therapy helps you learn how to cope with your thoughts and feelings without engaging in time-consuming ritualistic behavior.

Call the office of Thomas A. Arzt, LCSW, BCD, or schedule a consultation online to take control of your OCD and your life.