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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder(OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by the presence of persistent, distressing, and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions or rituals). These compulsions are often performed to alleviate the anxiety or discomfort associated with the obsessive thoughts. Unfortunately it does not eliminate the obsessions and in fact it causes them to get stronger and to keep coming back. This is the vicious cycle of OCD.

Contamination:

Fear of being contaminated by germs, dirt, or environmental toxins, leading to compulsive behaviors such as excessive handwashing, avoidance of certain places, or rituals involving cleanliness.

Checking:

Persistent doubts and fears about safety or potential harm, leading to compulsive checking behaviors. This may involve repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or personal items.

Symmetry and Order:

An overwhelming need for things to be symmetrical, orderly, or arranged in a specific way. Compulsive behaviors may include arranging objects, counting, or repeating actions until they feel "just right."

Intrusive Thoughts:

Disturbing, unwanted thoughts or mental images, often of a violent, sexual, or blasphemous nature. Individuals with this theme may engage in mental rituals or compulsive behaviors to neutralize the anxiety associated with these thoughts.

Fear of Harming Others:

Persistent fears of accidentally causing harm to others, either physically or through negligence. Compulsions may involve seeking reassurance, avoiding certain activities, or mentally reviewing actions.

Religious or Moral Obsessions:

Intrusive thoughts related to religious beliefs or morality, often conflicting with an individual's values. Compulsions may involve prayer, seeking reassurance from religious figures, or engaging in rituals to neutralize perceived moral transgressions.

Health Anxiety:

Excessive worry about having a serious medical condition or fear of contracting a disease. Compulsions may include frequent medical check-ups, researching symptoms, or seeking reassurance from healthcare professionals.

Perfectionism and Fear of Making Mistake:

The need for things to be perfect or an intense fear of making mistakes. Compulsions may involve repetitive actions, checking, or reassurance-seeking to ensure perfection.

It's important to note that individuals with OCD may experience more than one theme, and themes can change over time. Additionally, individuals may develop unique obsessions and compulsions that do not fit neatly into these categories. The severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life can vary among individuals with OCD.

Yes, OCD is treatable. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly a form known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is a highly effective therapeutic approach. ERP is often used in conjunction with medications prescribed by a psychiatrist to help manage symptoms.

ERP involves intentionally exposing yourself to distressing thoughts, images, items, or situations that make you anxious in a planned and intentional way. The goal is to expose you to the anxiety-inducing experience, while preventing your typical response, including avoidance behaviors and compulsions. This process allows you to learn something different, rather than reinforce your existing fears and obsessions.

When you decide to engage in ERP treatment, you will work with your therapist to assess your obsessions and compulsions, set goals, and create an exposure list. Your therapist will also make sure you understand the cycle of anxiety, and how ERP works. You will always be in the driver’s seat, choosing which topics to focus on, and at apace that feels manageable for you. A core component of ERP is practice in between sessions, and your therapist will help support you in doing so in a way that feels challenging, but not overwhelming.

The ultimate goal of ERP is that you will be able to engage in valued activities in your life, without compulsions or anxiety getting in the way.

Education

Virtual and in person educational options for professionals and the community, blogs that include helpful information, and scholarships to conferences and continuing education events.

Consultation

Four consultation groups for professionals working with clients with OCD and related disorders.

Support

Family support group welcoming those with loved ones diagnosed with OCD and related disorders.

Awareness

Walks and community events throughout our catchment area (Illinois, Ohio, Indiana) to raise awareness of OCD and related disorders.

Calendar

Visit here to learn more about upcoming events.

First Step

The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), which is the industry standard in helping to diagnose the severity of OCD symptoms. Although this test is the gold standard, we recommend being assessed by a therapist specializing in the treatment of OCD to receive a true diagnosis.  Visit the International OCD Foundation site for more information and resources: iocdf.org and for more info on help living with OCD visit: https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding…elp/living-with-ocd/

Second Step

To search for an OCD provider to receive a true diagnosis and treatment visit IOCDF.org and search for providers by your zip code. How can I get involved? Looking to volunteer? Please email ocd.midwest.1@gmail.com to inquire about current opportunities. We would love dedicated volunteers either in the professional role or someone with lived experience.

Looking to volunteer? Please email ocd-midwest@iocdf.org to inquire about current opportunities. We would love dedicated volunteers either in the professional role or someone with lived experience. 

Education

Education is the first step. The more you learn, the more you will be able to understand and help the person with OCD.

Get started by:

• Visiting the About OCD section on IOCDF.org to learn about causes, treatments, and more.
• Reading books on OCD.
• Reading our quarterly OCD Newsletter with information on the latest treatments and research.
• Attending an OCD support group for family members.
• Finding other online research and resources.

Recognize

Learn to recognize and reduce "Family Accommodation Behaviors: "Family Accommodation Behaviors are things families do that enable OCD symptoms. Families are constantly affected by the demands of OCD. Research shows that how a family responds to the OCD may help fuel OCD symptoms. The more that family members can learn about their responses to OCD, and the impact they have on the person with OCD, the more the family becomes empowered to make a difference! Here are some examples of these problem behaviors:

• Participating in the behavior. You participate in your family member's OCD behavior along with them. Example: You wash your hands whenever they wash their hands.
• Assisting in avoiding. You help your family member avoid things that upset them. Example: You do their laundry for them so that it is cleaned the "right" way.
• Helping with the behavior. You do things for your family member that lets them do OCD behaviors: Example: You buy large amounts of cleaning products for them.
• Making changes in family routine. You alter the way your family usually does things: Example You change the time of day that you shower or when you change your clothes.
• Taking on extra responsibilities. Example: You go out of your way to drive them places when they could otherwise drive themselves.
• Making changes in leisure activities. Example: Your family member gets you to not leave the house without them and this affects your interests in movies, dining out, time with friends, etc.
• Making changes at your job. Example: You cut back on hours at your job in order to take care of your family member.