OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment at Renaissance Behavioral Medicine

Welcome to Renaissance Behavioral Medicine, where we specialize in providing compassionate care for individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Led by Dr. Etefia, our team is dedicated to offering evidence-based treatments to help you manage your symptoms and regain control of your life.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions can significantly interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Symptoms of OCD

Common symptoms of OCD include:

• Obsessions: Intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant distress. Examples may include fears of contamination, doubts about safety, or aggressive impulses.

• Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions to alleviate anxiety or prevent a feared outcome. Examples may include excessive handwashing, checking, counting, or mental rituals.

Types of OCD

OCD can manifest in various forms, including:

• Contamination Obsessions and Cleaning Compulsions: Fear of germs or contamination, leading to excessive cleaning or avoidance of certain objects or places.

• Checking: Persistent doubts about safety or harm, leading to repeated checking behaviors such as checking locks, appliances, or personal belongings.

• Symmetry and Orderliness: Need for symmetry, precision, or exactness, leading to compulsive arranging, organizing, or counting.

• Hoarding: Persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value, leading to excessive accumulation of items and clutter.

Mental OCD Compulsions

In addition to observable behaviors, individuals with OCD may engage in mental rituals or compulsions, such as:

• Mental counting or repeating phrases

• Praying or seeking reassurance

• Mentally reviewing events or conversations

• Avoiding specific thoughts or images

Breaking the Cycle of OCD

Breaking the cycle of OCD involves challenging obsessive thoughts and reducing compulsive behaviors. Key strategies include:

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Gradual exposure to feared situations or triggers, coupled with refraining from compulsive rituals, to reduce anxiety and desensitize to obsessions.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and challenging irrational beliefs and thought patterns associated with OCD to develop healthier coping strategies.

• Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Approaches: Learning to observe and accept intrusive thoughts without judgment, allowing them to come and go without engaging in compulsive behaviors.

OCD Treatments

At Renaissance Behavioral Medicine, we offer personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs. Our evidence-based treatments for OCD may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a focus on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

• Medication management, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other psychiatric medications

• Supportive therapy and education for individuals and their families

Expert Care in Beverly Hills & San Mateo, CA

If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, Renaissance Behavioral Medicine is here to help. Our experienced team in Beverly Hills and San Mateo, CA, is committed to providing the highest quality of care to support your journey towards recovery and well-being.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call our offices.