About 1 in 40 people are diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a long-term condition that causes uncontrollable, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and irrational urges to perform certain actions (compulsions). Child, adolescent, and adult psychologist Michael Messina, PsyD, treats OCD at his practice in Southlake, Texas. If you think you or your child has OCD, call or book an appointment online for effective treatment.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and long-lasting mental health condition that causes intrusive, obsessive thoughts that lead you to repeat certain behaviors, or compulsions, over and over.
These obsessions and compulsions impede daily activities and often cause feelings of anxiety or distress. Trying to ignore or suppress the obsessions may worsen your anxiety and distress.
People with OCD usually experience both obsessions and compulsions, but it’s possible to have only one or the other. These symptoms can take up a lot of time and seriously interfere with work, school, and personal relationships.
Obsessions are recurrent, unwanted thoughts or mental images that cause anxiety. Common examples of obsessions include:
You may be aware that these thoughts are irrational, but you still fear that they’re somehow true.
Compulsions are repetitive actions that you feel driven to perform in response to the obsession. This may involve rules or rituals that you follow to control or reduce the obsessive thoughts. Common examples of compulsions include:
OCD symptoms typically appear during adolescence or early adulthood, but people over age 35 can develop this condition as well.
OCD is usually a lifelong (chronic) condition, but Dr. Messina teaches you how to control your symptoms so they don’t rule your life. The two main treatments for OCD include medications and psychotherapy. The most effective treatment may involve a combination of both.
You can ask your psychiatrist or primary care physician about the best type of medication for you.
Dr. Messina uses a type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He also uses a type of CBT called exposure and response prevention (ERP), which helps you face your obsessions while refraining from the compulsion.
This reduces your symptoms by desensitizing you to the anxiety-provoking nature of the obsession.
To learn how you can take control of your life with OCD, call the office of Dr. Michael Messina or book an appointment online today.
