{"id":42496,"date":"2023-10-18T11:47:22","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T15:47:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=42496"},"modified":"2023-11-14T09:46:06","modified_gmt":"2023-11-14T14:46:06","slug":"ocd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/are-you-a-prisoner-of-your-compulsions\/","title":{"rendered":"Are You a Prisoner of Your Compulsions?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Take a Minute to Consider These Questions<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Are you frequently late because you must check the stove eight or nine times to ensure it\u2019s off before leaving your house?\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do you wash your hands often, trying to get them clean, but never really feel they are?\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Are you unable to throw anything away because you think it may be useful at some point in the future?\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do you become worried that you will somehow lose control of your behavior and hurt someone, even though you never have?\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do you perform a verbal or physical ritual that you feel helps ensure that people you are close to stay healthy and safe?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do you find it hard to let go of certain thoughts, finding them so intrusive and persistent that you cannot get other important tasks done?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559731&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may suffer from OCD &#8211; or obsessive-compulsive disorder. This illness is not\u202frare; it affects at least four million adults in the United States and is the fourth most common psychiatric illness in this country.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-42499\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_451034748-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"GoodTherapy | OCD\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_451034748-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_451034748-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_451034748-800x533.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_451034748-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_451034748-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>How Can OCD Impact Your Life?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OCD is a disorder that is often\u202fprogressive and can become\u202fcrippling. Some OCD sufferers never leave their homes because of the various rituals they need to perform. Others can&#8217;t function\u202fat work because they spend so much time secretly engaged in various rituals.\u202f <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many obsessive thoughts and rituals are\u202fcompletely mental, not physical, so the illness can be almost invisible to\u202feveryone close to the person affected.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As the name suggests, OCD\u202fhas two parts: obsessions and compulsions.\u202f Many people\u202fsuffer from obsessions only, but a good number eventually develop compulsions. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-42500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_451034298-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"GoodTherapy | Obsessive compulsive disorder\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_451034298-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_451034298-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_451034298-800x533.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_451034298-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_451034298-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Obsessions<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Obsessions are the thoughts, ideas, or impulses that repeatedly well up in the mind of the person with OCD. They may feel a need to do things almost too perfectly, an unreasonable concern about becoming contaminated by germs, or a persistent fear that harm may come to themselves or loved ones.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Compulsions<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Compulsions are the behaviors that are done in reaction to this thinking, usually to try to gain some control over the uncontrollable. Following a behavioral routine\u202fgives the sufferer temporary relief through a false\u202fbelief that the ritual can ensure that something unwanted will not happen.\u202f <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Usually, the person with OCD is fully aware that their thinking is irrational, but this does little to stop the behavior.\u202f The obsessions and compulsions often lead\u202fto an unbreakable\u202fcycle\u202fincluding severe anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-42498\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_197405074-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"GoodTherapy | Help for OCD\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1803\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_197405074-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_197405074-300x211.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_197405074-800x563.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_197405074-1536x1082.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_197405074-2048x1442.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>When is OCD a Problem?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most people experience obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors at one time or another, but the actual disorder of OCD is not present until\u202fthe thoughts and\u202frituals\u202fhave become dominant features in their lives and some aspect of the person&#8217;s work, family, or social life is affected.\u202f\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once the full criterion\u202fis met,\u202fOCD will often not go away, and therapy is needed before there are irreversible effects on a person\u2019s social, academic, or work life.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The good news about OCD is that it has a very positive prognosis &#8211; OCD is very easily overcome through therapy.\u202f Most therapists use what is called\u202fcognitive behavioral therapy to bring about\u202frelief from OCD symptoms. Clients learn to monitor their thoughts and recognize the connection between their thinking, feeling, and behavior. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The therapist acts as a &#8220;behavioral coach&#8221; and often gives a lot of homework\u202fbetween sessions. Progress can be slow, but gradually clients learn to separate their thoughts from their behaviors. Once behavior changes even a little bit, there is a strong likelihood that\u202fthings will get much better sooner than later. You\u2019ll come away with a toolbox you can use to manage your symptoms in real time!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The bad news is that\u202fthe isolation, embarrassment,\u202fand self-loathing caused by OCD can prevent some people from seeking help.\u202fThey may\u202fbe afraid that their thoughts or compulsions are so &#8220;crazy&#8221; that they&#8217;ll get laughed at or labeled as strange.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-42497\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_461788174-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"GoodTherapy | OCD Therapy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_461788174-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_461788174-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_461788174-800x533.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_461788174-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_461788174-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fFind a Therapist<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you suspect you are suffering from OCD, consider finding a therapist. Be confident that\u202fthey\u202fknow that this problem is unpreventable and biological, just like an allergy or sight impairment.\u202f\u202fYou don&#8217;t have to be a prisoner of OCD. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The combination of therapy, sometimes along with medication, usually provides effective treatment. You can make a life-changing decision by recognizing the problem and having the courage to seek help.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You are not alone if you suffer from OCD, even though you may suffer in silence. Therapy can truly help and give you the resources to stave off relapses should they begin to come on in the future. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In fact, cognitive behavioral therapy often provides tips and techniques you can use to manage many kinds of anxiety, so it can often have lasting effects beyond OCD.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dr. Alan Jacobson is a Licensed Psychologist who has been in practice for over 20 years. He has helped many adolescents and adults who suffer from OCD and other challenges with anxiety.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/find-therapist.html\">GoodTherapy Registry<\/a> might be helpful to you. We have thousands of therapists listed with us who would love to walk with you on your journey. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/find-therapist.html\">Find the support<\/a> you need today.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder is an illness. It is not\u202frare and impcts at least four million adults in the United States and is the fourth most common psychiatric illness in this country.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3189,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2173],"tags":[228,1287,1678,2189],"class_list":["post-42496","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ocd","tag-obsessions-compulsions-ocd","tag-obsessive-compulsive-disorder","tag-ocd","tag-therapy-for-ocd"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42496","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3189"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42496"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42496\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42496"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42496"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42496"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}