SYMPTOMS OF Obsessive Compulsive Disorder CAN INCLUDE:
OBSESSIONS:
- Recurrent or persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced as intriusive and inappropriate causing anxiety or distress
COMPULSIONS:
- Repetative behaviors (e.g., hand washing, putting things in order, checking) or mental acts (e.g., praying, counting, repeating words silently) that the person feels driven to perform to neutralize obsessions
- The behaviors or mental acts are aimed at reducing distress or prevening a dreaded event from occuring
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be a debilitating problem, causing avoidance of certain situations that may trigger the OCD and lost time due to engaging in rituals. Many people have tried therapy to no avail or have experienced some relief from medication, but still suffer due to their OCD. Whether its an adult or child that is suffering from OCD, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be effective.
Exposure Therapy with Response Prevention is one of the leading treatments for OCD and has been shown to drastically reduce the suffering from OCD, significantly more than medication alone. It is a brief therapy (17 sesssions in researched protocols) and one that can be provided intensely (multiple sessions per week) or in a "normal" therapy fashion of one time per week.
To make an appointment for an assessment and/or discuss recommendations for treatment, call (415) 686-9544 or email drkeith@drkeithsutton.com I have offices in San Francisco and San Rafael and provide phone and/or web sessions for clients who can not come to the office.