With time and research, we are gaining a greater understanding of the brain and the various disorders that can impact its functionality. One of those disorders, which is taken somewhat lightly overall, is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

What is OCD?

Before we can learn where and how to find treatment centers, we must first know more about the disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a long-lasting disorder in which the person in question cannot control his or her compulsions or obsessions.

Most of the time, obsessions refer to thoughts that frequently occur. Compulsions revolve more primarily around reoccurring behaviors that tend to be repeated on a regular basis over time.

There are different types of OCD as well. It can result in constant checking, issues with feeling like things are contaminated, ordering and symmetry, intrusive thoughts or ruminations, and even hoarding.

What Are the Signs of OCD?

Before you can look into OCD treatment centers in Orange County, you first must be able to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with OCD. Most people who are impacted by it will show signs in the form of compulsions, obsessions, or even both.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and they can also come and go over time. Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms of OCD. A person can feel like something is going to happen should they not complete a specific task. Should the task be left undone, then there are intrusive thoughts that make them feel tense and anxious.

The symptoms of OCD can interfere with work, school, and personal relationships. Adults who have OCD often notice that what they do is out of the ordinary or does not make sense. That said, children and other adults may not realize their behavior.

Obsessions

When referring to obsessions, this is often the matter of urges, thoughts, or mental images that lead to anxiety. There are a plethora of common obsessions out there, particularly when it comes to OCD.

Those obsessions can include things like a fear of germs or contamination, an aggressive thought towards oneself or others, taboo or unwanted thoughts, or the need for things to be in a perfect or symmetrical order.

Compulsions

When we think of OCD, the public likely considers the compulsive side of things. These are often repetitive behaviors that are a response to the obsessive thoughts. These are the actions that accompany the thoughts that we cannot see.

These repetitive behaviors can take many forms. One of the most common, at least from a public perspective, is the need to clean or wash hands. Seeing someone who has to repeatedly wash their hands or clean a surface is perhaps the most common situation.

Compulsions can also involve counting in an obsessive way, arranging things in a precise, particular manner, or repeatedly checking things. One of the more common instances of the latter is the need to constantly check to see if the doors are locked or the oven is off.

That said, not everything that is habitual is considered compulsive. Though it is normal for a person to double-check things, it can escalate to OCD for a few different instances. Spending an hour or more per day with obsessive thoughts or behaviors, for instance.

One may feel that he or she is not in control over their behaviors or thoughts, even if they do recognize the absurdity of those thoughts. They might not get pleasure in performing the compulsions, but they may feel a brief moment of relief.

It is also not uncommon for those with OCD to develop a tic disorder. The tics can be quick, sudden, and repetitive. They include facial grimacing, head or shoulder jerking, shoulder shrugging, eye movements, and more. There is also the possibility of vocal tics like sniffing, grunting sounds, or the repetitive clearing of one’s throat.

The signs are numerous, and talking to a therapist can be immensely beneficial. If you recognize these symptoms, it is important to act.

Finding Treatment

There are OCD treatment centers in Orange County that can help those suffering from the disorder find some sense. There is a commitment to the long-term goal of offering accessible care and treatment to those suffering from not only OCD, but related conditions like PTSD, social anxiety disorder, body dysmorphia, and more.

Treatment methods generally revolve around exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based behavioral therapy (MBBT), and exposure therapy (ET).

The key is to find a location that is convenient to you. Being able to see a therapist and undergo treatment can make a world of difference in the way that you manage your OCD. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may find what you need in a few sessions or have to go on a regular basis permanently.

Conclusion

Though it can be used jokingly at times, there is nothing funny about OCD. That is why having all the necessary information is absolutely required to provide the requisite treatment program.

If you or someone that you care for is struggling with the symptoms of OCD, find a treatment center today. With the right resources and help, it won’t before long before you can gain better treatment methods for your disorder.