Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by recurrent obsessions or compulsions that are severe enough to be time consuming (Ie., they take more than one hour a day) or cause marked distress or significant interference with functioning. At some point during the course of the disorder, the person MAY have recognized the obsessions or compulsions to be excessive or unreasonable. If another Axis I disorder is present, At some point the person has recognized that behaviors are excessive or unrealistic Obsessions and compulsions cause distress, are time consuming, and significantly interfere with functioning. The content of obsessions and compulsions cannot be accounted for by another disorder.
Obsessions are:
- Recurrent thoughts, images, or impulses experienced as intrusive and inappropriate, causing marked anxiety or distress
- Not simply excessive worries about real life problems
- Accompanied by efforts to ignore, suppress, or neutralize intrusive thoughts
- Sometimes recognized as the product of one's own mind; however, poor insight does not rule out the presence of OCD.
Compulsions are:
- Repetitive behaviors and mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules
- Aimed at preventing or reducing distress or preventing some dreaded event or situation clearly excessive or not realistically connected to the obsessive fear
Learn more about OCD...
Treatment
The Institute treats obsessive compulsive disorder using Dr. Edna Foa's Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy as a behavioral protocol, as well as cognitive components through talk therapy and extensive writing exercises. Our program emphasizes the need to identify and target fear structures, to return our patients to their best possible functioning in daily life. Most of our patients have around a 70% improvement, one of the highest success rates in the United States.
Resources
Returning Safely to In-Person Learning
Online and Phone Therapy
The Westwood Institute for anxiety Disorders is extending our services to online and telephone therapy to clients around the world struggling with OCD and related disorders. This method is cost-effective, which benefits clients with restrictions that do not allow them to leave their homes. The American Psychological Association has provided distance therapy to be safe and reliable. Furthermore, there are numerous studies and client testimonies that have indicated success through this method. In 1997, California established phone and online therapy to be legal. Be assured that all client information will always remain private and safe. If you have any further questions, please feel free to email us.
Due to the current pandemic (COVID-19), we are extending our services to full online and phone therapy to our clients.
Dr. Gorbis gives Grand Rounds at UCLA Medical School
