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Obsessions
Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts that create significant distress. Effort is made to suppress or rid oneself of these disturbing thoughts by performing compulsions.
Obsessions can fall into various themes, such as aggresssion, contamination, sexual, religion, relationships, symmetry, and perfectionism.
Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental processes used to neutralize or battle the obsessive thoughts. These actions are not effective in counteracting these thoughts and fears, and they produce significant distress and disruption within themselves.
Compulsions are can be seen in such behaviors as washing, checking, repetition, mental review, arranging, and seeking reassurance.
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Treatment for OCD
The most effective behavioral treatment for OCD is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Studies have shown that ERP is the most effective overall treatment for OCD. Exposing oneself to the obsessional fears without engaging in compulsive behavior will lead to anxiety tolerance or desensitization and relearning the danger of the feared outcomes.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Learning how to pursue our valued goals while experiencing uncomfortable thoughts and emotions can be empowering. ACT can provide additional strategies to assist with treatment improvement.
Telehealth
Early studies have shown that virtual therapy using ERP can be as effective as in-person treatment. This approach can provide similar advantages as if having a therapist in your home to assist in implementing the treatment practice.