OCD Treatment Center in Los Angeles, California
OCD treatment in Los Angeles, California helps each individual address the underlying issues that trigger this disorder in order to find the solutions needed to overcome the symptoms. Many people across the world experience symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). However, very few people seek residential or inpatient OCD treatment centers regardless of how bad their symptoms are. This is in part because most people are unaware of obsessive compulsive disorder treatment programs, because people are afraid to ask for help and due to the fact that people are often misdiagnosed.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Digging into the underlying mental issues is critical. Sometimes, the lack of coping skills is the reason to blame for where an individual finds themselves. Other times, it can be because of specific circumstances. Many people wonder if obsessive compulsive disorder is curable. Proper evaluations and treatment plans combined with assessing the presence or absence of a mental health disorder is crucial to long-term success. True freedom is within reach. Contact us today.
Signs and Symptoms of OCD
Individuals with OCD may have symptoms of obsessions, compulsions, or a combination of both. OCD symptoms often interfere with all aspects of life including work, school, and personal relationships.
Obsessions
Obsessions are defined as repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety.
Common symptoms include:
- Fear of germs or contamination
- Unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, and harm
- Aggressive thoughts towards others or self
- Having things symmetrical or in a perfect order
OCD Compulsions
Compulsions are defined as repetitive behaviors that a person with OCD feels the urge to do in response to an obsessive thought.
Common compulsions include:
- Excessive cleaning and/or handwashing
- Ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way
- Repeatedly checking on things, such as repeatedly checking to see if the door is locked or that the oven is off
- Compulsive counting
An Individual is Generally Diagnosed With OCD if They Meet the Following:
- The individual can’t control his or her thoughts or behaviors
- The individual spends over an hour a day on these thoughts or behaviors
- They do not get pleasure when performing the behaviors or rituals
- The individual experiences significant problems in their daily life due to their thoughts or behaviors
Symptoms of OCD may come and go, but often, they worsen with time. If left untreated OCD, will continue to interfere with the individual’s daily life.
How is OCD Treated?
While OCD can be challenging, effective treatments are available that can help manage the various symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment usually involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and, sometimes, other therapeutic approaches.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT, and specifically a subtype called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is reputable for treating OCD. ERP involves gradual exposure to the source of your anxiety or obsessions and teaching you to resist the urge to perform compulsive behaviors. This therapy helps reduce OCD symptoms over time by teaching coping mechanisms and changing the thought patterns that fuel the disorder.
Medication
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common medications prescribed for OCD. These antidepressants can help reduce most of the symptoms of OCD by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. This can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Sometimes, other types of medication may be recommended depending on the individual’s response to treatment and specific symptoms.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
For severe cases of OCD that do not respond to conventional treatments, neuromodulation techniques like TMS may be considered. TMS for OCD is a non-invasive therapeutic method that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.
Group Therapy and Support Groups
Participating in group therapy or joining a support group can provide a sense of community and shared experience. These settings offer a platform to share strategies, gain support, and learn from others with similar challenges.
Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques
Practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and stress management techniques can help manage the anxiety that accompanies OCD. These practices can improve overall well-being and reduce stress, which can, in turn, help mitigate some OCD symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
Adding healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and adequate sleep, can also play a supportive role in managing OCD symptoms. These changes can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments and improve overall mental health.
Contact Our OCD Treatment Center in Los Angeles, California at Montare Behavioral Health
The residential and outpatient OCD mental health treatment programs at Montare Behavioral Health utilizes individualized treatment plans in a therapeutic environment in order to treat OCD. Our Los Angeles, California OCD treatment center includes comprehensive assessments, exposure, and response prevention treatment (ERP), cognitive therapy, general education, family education, neurofeedback, medication, and additional holistic treatments. Oftentimes the sooner one enrolls in OCD treatment, the better off they will be. Contact our team today and we will help you or your loved one begin treatment for OCD in Los Angeles, California.
