Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common mental health disorder, affecting roughly 2.5 million American adults. The average age that symptoms start is usually around 19 years old. Many people experience obsessions or compulsions at some point in their lives but don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for OCD. True OCD involves not being able to control your thoughts or think about them logically. At East Point Behavioral Health in Massachusetts we specialize in OCD treatment, offering both therapy and medication management. Our treatment helps individuals better control their thoughts and compulsions while learning how to cope in healthier ways.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common mental health disorder, affecting roughly 2.5 million American adults. The average age that symptoms start is usually around 19 years old. Many people experience obsessions or compulsions at some point in their lives but don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for OCD. True OCD involves not being able to control your thoughts or think about them logically. At East Point Behavioral Health in Massachusetts we specialize in OCD treatment, offering both therapy and medication management. Our treatment helps individuals better control their thoughts and compulsions while learning how to cope in healthier ways.

Understanding 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 specialized OCD therapy options to help you lead a more balanced life.
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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?

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.

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. Essentially, the compulsive disorder tries to heal itself using compulsive behaviors, 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.

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Treating OCD in Massachusetts: Effective Therapy Options

There are many evidence-based treatments available for obsessive-compulsive disorder, though it can take time to find what works for you based on your symptoms and their severity.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT 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.
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.

DBT 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, often referred to as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), is another treatment for those with OCD. It focuses on helping people accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling controlled by them. ACT is more of a complementary framework that can enhance other treatments, such as CBT and ERP.
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 is offered at East Point Behavioral Health to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medicines you take.

The Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) for OCD Treatment

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If you’re seeking mental health treatment for OCD, Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) can offer flexibility and a more personalized approach to care. At East Point Behavioral Health, our OCD treatment in Massachusetts offers:

Quick Access to Treatment

Many individuals with OCD need urgent help. With IOS, you can get started with treatment in as little as 24-48 hours, ensuring immediate support for your symptoms.

Greater Independence

Unlike inpatient care, IOS for OCD allows you to live at home, maintain responsibilities, and engage with your support network while undergoing treatment.

Comprehensive Care for Co-occurring Conditions

OCD often co-occurs with other disorders like anxiety and depression. At East Point Behavioral Health, we provide integrated care for all conditions simultaneously, optimizing treatment outcomes.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Conditions

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder often co-occurs with other mental disorders, and they will 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.
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Contact Our Massachusetts Treatment Center for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

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 therapies, both in-person and virtual, 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.