Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can affect both children and adults. Individuals with OCD are often plagued by unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions). No matter how hard they try, they often just can't seem to get these upsetting thoughts out of their head. And naturally, because people are motivated to try to feel better, individuals with OCD often develop ritualistic behaviors or routines (compulsions) that temporarily reduce the distress associated with these bothersome thoughts.
The most classic example of OCD, most often portrayed in the media, is that of the "germaphobe". These individuals are plagued by unwanted and upsetting thoughts about germs, or sometimes illness. As a result, they may repeatedly wash their hands. In these cases, the compulsion (hand washing) seems logically connected to the obsessive thought ("I am dirty"). However, in many cases, the compulsion may have nothing really to do with the obsessive thought (i.e., "If I don't wash my hands at least four times, I will totally bomb my physics test". We refer to this type of thinking as magical thinking. In many cases, the person recognizes that their thoughts are irrational, but it feels very uncomfortable to resist these urges.
OCD can vary significantly in terms of severity. To meet diagnostic criteria for OCD, the person must either spend a significant amount of time engaged in the compulsions, and/or feel very distressed by these symptoms. For some people, these rituals and routines seriously disrupt day to day functioning, such that they are not able to attend school or work or perform normally in these settings. OCD can also interact significantly with eating-disordered behavior.
Common Obsessions
Dr. Stewart has received specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is the treatment of choice for OCD. Dr. Stewart provides OCD treatment in her Fort Lauderdale office, but due to the nature of OCD symptoms, she frequently sees individuals in their home, school, or work settings throughout South Florida.
The most classic example of OCD, most often portrayed in the media, is that of the "germaphobe". These individuals are plagued by unwanted and upsetting thoughts about germs, or sometimes illness. As a result, they may repeatedly wash their hands. In these cases, the compulsion (hand washing) seems logically connected to the obsessive thought ("I am dirty"). However, in many cases, the compulsion may have nothing really to do with the obsessive thought (i.e., "If I don't wash my hands at least four times, I will totally bomb my physics test". We refer to this type of thinking as magical thinking. In many cases, the person recognizes that their thoughts are irrational, but it feels very uncomfortable to resist these urges.
OCD can vary significantly in terms of severity. To meet diagnostic criteria for OCD, the person must either spend a significant amount of time engaged in the compulsions, and/or feel very distressed by these symptoms. For some people, these rituals and routines seriously disrupt day to day functioning, such that they are not able to attend school or work or perform normally in these settings. OCD can also interact significantly with eating-disordered behavior.
Common Obsessions
- Excessive fears of dirt, germs, or contamination
- Excessive preoccupation with order, arranging things, or needing things to be symmetrical
- Upsetting thoughts of a religious, sexual, or violent nature. These thoughts can be extremely upsetting for the person with OCD, and very embarrassing to discuss, but they are actually quite common in OCD.
- Excessive doubting, which can include excessive doubting about one's sexual orientation
- Cleaning, washing, or bathing
- Evening out or ordering things
- Checking and re-checking
- Repeating things
- Counting
- Mental rituals
Dr. Stewart has received specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is the treatment of choice for OCD. Dr. Stewart provides OCD treatment in her Fort Lauderdale office, but due to the nature of OCD symptoms, she frequently sees individuals in their home, school, or work settings throughout South Florida.
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Conditions Treated:
Social Anxiety - Panic Disorder - Agoraphobia - Fears - Phobias - OCD - PTSD - Depression - ADHD |
Copyright © 2015-2022, Lindsay M. Stewart, Ph.D., PLLC
www.southfloridacbt.com 915 Middle River Drive, Suite 517, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 |