What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a mental disorder characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas, or sensations (obsessions) that drive a person to engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). OCD is often distressing, as the obsessions and compulsions interfere significantly with daily life, relationships, and well-being. If you are struggling with these symptoms, mental health treatment for OCD can help you manage your thoughts and compulsions. At East Point Behavioral Health, we offer holistic in-person and online OCD therapy to help you lead a more balanced life.
Do You Qualify for Mental Health Treatment in Massachusetts?
East Point Behavioral Health provides specialized mental health care in Massachusetts for adults aged 18 and older. While we do not specialize in substance use disorders (SUD), we address co-occurring conditions and can connect you with trusted SUD treatment referrals if needed. Our mission is to remove barriers to mental health care by offering immediate intervention and prompt access to treatment. Contact us today to start your journey toward mental wellness!
Who Is Most Likely to Develop OCD?
Like other mental health disorders, OCD does not discriminate. It can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, but certain factors can increase the chances of developing the condition. For instance, if a close family member has OCD, you are at a greater risk of developing the disorder yourself. Other risk factors include personality traits (perfectionism), high levels of anxiety, and stressful life events.
What Causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Researchers do not fully understand what causes OCD, but they do believe that it stems from a combination of genetic, neurological, behavioral, cognitive, and environmental factors. OCD tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. It’s possible that certain genes may make some people more susceptible to obsessive-compulsive disorder, though no single “OCD gene” has been identified. Brain circuitry and functioning can also play a role, as OCD is associated with abnormal activity in certain brain circuits. Imbalances in serotonin levels, stress, trauma, and personality traits can also contribute to the onset of OCD.
What are OCD Symptoms?
People with OCD have negative and persistent thoughts they can’t control. Understandably, this is mentally and physically exhausting, especially as they have the urge to carry out self-determined rituals to help them cope. OCD has two components:
- Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive, and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly enter your mind, such as fear of contamination, harm, symmetry and order, forbidden thoughts, or perfectionism.
- Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that you feel the urge to do in response to your obsessions. These can include repeatedly washing your hands, checking locks, counting or repeating, organizing objects, or seeking reassurance from yourself and others.
Essentially, the compulsive disorder tries to heal itself using compulsive behaviors to silence obsessive thoughts, which lower stress and anxiety. The problem is that those actions can be hugely disruptive to everyday functioning and overall health. And, since many people with OCD also struggle with co-occurring conditions, they are held back even further from healing.
Types of OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can take many forms. Each of them has a unique pattern of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Understanding these differences can help you recognize your symptoms more accurately and seek the right kind of OCD treatment Massachusetts.
- Contamination OCD entails an intense fear of germs or illness. It typically leads to excessive cleaning, handwashing, or avoidance of public spaces.
- Checking OCD centers around a persistent fear of harm or mistakes. This overwhelming emotion causes repeated checking of locks, appliances, or tasks.
- Symmetry and order OCD is known for its demand for things to be perfectly aligned or arranged “just right.” Ordering things a certain way relieves tension or prevents imagined harm.
- OCD characterized by intrusive thoughts includes distressing, unwanted thoughts (often violent, sexual, or taboo in nature). These thoughts often do not align with the person’s values.
- Hoarding OCD involves difficulty discarding items due to a perceived need to save them or fear of loss. People struggling with this form of OCD end up surrounded by things to the extent that they cannot function normally in their own space.
Each type of OCD can impact daily life differently but significantly. With OCD therapy online or in-person, you can access specialized care regardless of where you are. With online OCD therapy tailored to your needs and specific symptoms, you’ll ensure a better quality of life.
How to Treat OCD: Effective Therapy Options
There are many evidence-based in-person and online obsessive-compulsive disorder treatments available, though it can take time to find what works for you based on your symptoms and their severity.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most popular therapies for OCD, focusing on the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Understanding how they connect can help you get past your mental health challenges. If you can better manage your obsessions, you can better manage your compulsions.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP involves gradually exposing you to the things that cause your OCD symptoms to flare up. Rather than carrying out compulsive behaviors, such as hair pulling or skin picking, you’ll be led to other coping skills. Over time, this builds up tolerance so that you can better handle your fears and anxiety without compulsions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that also incorporates mindfulness practices to stay present rather than being consumed by intrusive thoughts or overwhelming feelings. It also introduces other skill sets crucial for managing obsessive-compulsive disorder, such as distress tolerance techniques, effective emotion regulation skills, and managing intense feelings.
Alongside CBT, therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Commitment Therapy (ACT) also play vital roles in OCD treatment by addressing underlying emotions and thoughts.
Commitment Therapy
Medication
In some cases, individuals with OCD can benefit from medication. It’s important that the medications you take are monitored by a medical professional. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be useful in managing the symptoms of OCD, as they increase serotonin in the brain. Medication management for mental health is offered at East Point Behavioral Health to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medicines you take.
Why Choose East Point for Online OCD Treatment
Struggling with OCD can feel isolating, but help is within reach. At East Point Behavioral Health, we offer expert online OCD treatment that gives you the support you need – right from home. Our approach is flexible, evidence-based, and designed to fit your life.
OCD Specialists, at Your Fingertips
Our licensed OCD therapists are trained in gold-standard treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP). These approaches are delivered virtually with the same attention, structure, and personalization you’d expect from in-person care—so you never have to compromise on quality to get the support you need.
Flexible, Life-Friendly Scheduling
Whether you’re balancing work, school, or family life, our online OCD therapy is designed to fit your routine. We offer sessions in the morning, afternoon, or evening – so help is available when it works best for you. No long commutes, no waitlists—just expert care when and where you need it.
Support That Grows With You
We’re here for the long haul. As your needs change, we adapt your treatment plan and provide continued guidance to help you stay grounded, make progress, and maintain long-term recovery. Whether you’re facing new challenges or building on past breakthroughs, our team is with you every step of the way.
Treating Conditions Commonly Occurring With OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder often co-occurs with other mental disorders – a situation known as dual diagnosis. Conditions that commonly occur with OCD include anxiety disorders, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and tic disorders. In some cases, individuals may also struggle with trauma-related conditions or substance use. These co-occurring disorders need treatment, too. Fortunately, you can access all the care you need within one program. In fact, treating all conditions at the same time leads to the best outcomes because all symptoms are managed simultaneously. In other settings, these conditions might be overlooked or even ignored.
Holistic In-Person and Online OCD Therapy Is a Call Away
If you or a loved one is dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder and can benefit from support, get in touch with East Point Behavioral Health today. We have a wide range of treatments, including both in-person and online OCD therapy, that can help you manage both your obsessions and your compulsions, helping you to build a healthier and happier life. Our mental health experts will help you in every way possible, so you never have to worry about your needs being too complex. We have the tools and resources to help you overcome your OCD. Let’s work together to build a new life for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is treatment for OCD covered by insurance?
Various insurance plans cover treatment for OCD, including online OCD therapy, but you should consult your insurance provider. It can happen that your plan covers treatment only partially or only if deemed medically necessary.
Can OCD be treated without medication?
Yes, although it’s not recommended. Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be treated without medications if you participate in a highly structured therapy such as exposure and response prevention (ERP). However, the combination of medication and psychotherapy provides the best and most sustainable results.
Which medications are prescribed for OCD?
Medications typically prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or fluvoxamine. These medicines, when taken regularly and as prescribed, can help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors over time.
How to stop OCD thoughts immediately?
You can’t stop OCD thoughts instantly, but you can reduce their impact. Try labeling the thought as OCD, avoid engaging with it, and focus on grounding techniques like deep breathing or sensory awareness. Over time, therapy like ERP and CBT helps weaken the cycle.
Can OCD cause tension headaches?
Yes, OCD can contribute to tension headaches. The constant mental strain, anxiety, and stress from obsessive thoughts and compulsions often lead to physical symptoms like muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders, which can trigger headaches. Managing OCD through therapy and stress-reduction techniques may help reduce their frequency.