Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Living a happy and fulfilling life with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a definite possibility. AKUA Mind & Body is here to help!

We utilize a blended therapy approach to treat the whole person, taking mental and social factors into consideration, rather than treating just the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Our treatment program provides clients with the tools needed to effectively manage unwanted repetitive and persistent thoughts that are either repressed or carried out by these compulsions.

Compulsions are repetitive actions in response to persistent thoughts to relieve the tension and anxiety brought by the thoughts. OCD often centers on themes such as a fear of germs or the need to arrange objects in a specific manner. Symptoms usually begin gradually and vary throughout life. Treatment includes talk therapy, medications, or a combination of both. Examples of compulsions include tapping, counting, praying, checking, hand washing, cleaning, and repeating words.

Signs & symptoms of OCD

Since obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by both obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions, each of these subsets has its unique list of symptoms:

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Obsessive thoughts

Fear of contamination
Fear of uncertainty
Fear of losing control and harming others
Sexual thoughts
Aggressive thoughts Need for symmetry and order
Doubts associated with leaving the stove on or doors unlocked
Fears about having a disease or medical illness
Concerns about losing something or throwing away something valuable

AKUA Mind & Body Treatment Program

AKUA Mind & Body utilizes a blend of holistic approaches combined with evidence-based treatment and medication assistance to help individuals who have been affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This treatment approach allows clients to recognize their underlying triggers and then provides guidance to develop healthy coping skills.

The misuse of “OCD”

The term “OCD” is often thrown around casually in conversations and is even joked upon in regard to individuals who adopt perfectionistic quirks. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health disorder that can warrant many individuals not to leave their homes or beds due to persistent negative intrusive thoughts. This disorder can potentially be debilitating and differs drastically from an individual who is overly organized or demonstrates perfectionism. Perfectionism is a character trait, whereas OCD is a mental health disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder can often go undiagnosed, and many individuals may think they have a “type A personality” or consider themselves a “perfectionist.” OCD can also be misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

How to deal with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Treatment of OCD is aimed at treating the symptoms through a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Exposure and response prevention work to gradually increase the severity of the thoughts and compulsions to the individual in an attempt for the individual to become accustomed to these exposures and no longer experience an increased fear regarding these distressful thoughts.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Signs & symptoms of OCD

Obsessive thoughts

AKUA Mind & Body Treatment Program

The misuse of “OCD”

How to deal with obsessive-compulsive disorder

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