Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Woodstock and Cumming. Teletherapy available.
Facts About ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder
OCD is a neurobiological disorder and it equally affects men, women and children of all races, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. OCD is the fourth most common psychiatric disorder, after phobias, substance abuse and major depression, affecting about one in 40 adults and one in 100 school-aged children.*
People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suffer from irrational,unwanted and intrusive thoughts that cause distress (anxiety,guilt and/or disgust). These OBSESSIONS often compel them to repeatedly perform behaviors and routines or mental
rituals to try and ease their discomfort.
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The onset of OCD symptoms most commonly occurs in childhood, during periods of major hormonal changes (puberty) and between the late teens and early 20's. It is more prevalent in males especially during the younger years.
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Individuals can have just "pure" OCD but oftentimes other conditions occur along with the OCD. When this happens a person is said to have comorbidity. About 50% of the time, ADHD will occur with the OCD. Additionally, 33-50% of people with Tourette Syndrome also meet the criteria for OCD.
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It is important to realize that many of these conditions occur in the same neurological circuits in the brain. It is not that a person has "so many things wrong with them", rather it is more like a cluster of symptoms that are occurring because of distorted communication between neurons in one section of the nervous system. Behavioral solutions can be tailored to prioritize and address each of these symptoms.
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The most surprising aspect of my clinical work with OCD clients is how well they hide their anxiety. It oftentimes seems that the more severe the OCD, the calmer the facade that my clients present. In other words, you can't necessarily tell that a person has OCD by their appearance - they can be masters at hiding their disorder in order to avoid embarrassment.