What is Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder?

OCD is a major mental health issue affecting 1% of all adults in the United States and also many children. It is much broader than just the traditional “germ phobia” type and encompasses many areas including relationships, safety, religious faith, fear of losing control and excessive intolerance when things are not “just right”. It consists of unwanted (intrusive) thoughts or images that lead to obsessive thoughts that create anxious feelings and lead to performing compulsions in a futile effort to get rid of the thoughts and anxiety.

Can it be treated?

Absolutely, yes! Actually, the protocol for treating OCD is one of the most scientifically demonstrated in all of mental health treatments. Yet, there are two problems:

First, many counselors will say they treat OCD and not use the evidence-based, scientific methods. Thus, reliable sources say most with OCD sought help for 14 or more years before finding someone who used the proven treatments.

Second, the proven treatments, while effective, are difficult. They are all built around the idea of exposure and response prevention therapy, meaning those with OCD must become willing to tolerate some of the unpleasant feelings without doing compulsions in order to retrain their brains not to become anxious from the obsessive thoughts. Many, many studies show this works. But it is really hard work and so many people don’t want to do it and many counselors choose a less effective but more palatable approach.

How is this approached at St. Louis Counseling Center?

The primary therapist for OCD is Dr. Tim Sisemore who has written 2 books about OCD and has treated it for many years. He has worked with children, teens and adults on the issue. He places the exposure treatment in the broader strategy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that helps with motivation to do the hard work of exposure and offers a variety of techniques that make exposure work more effectively.