Obsessive Compulsive Disorder New York
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder New York
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental health disorder categorized by obsessions and compulsions. Often referred to as the “DOUBT DISORDER” because those with OCD want to know something for 100% certainty when this isn’t possible.
Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, frightening images that trigger overwhelming anxiety. Compulsions are behaviors an individual engages to rid themselves or naturalize the anxiety. If you have noticed that it takes you longer to get ready in the morning and leave your house because of rituals or routines that you just “have to do “than you may have OCD.
The obsessions need to be more pronounced and cause significant distress in order to be categorized as “obsessions”. If you find that most of your day is made up of intrusive thoughts and worrying about intrusive thoughts then it may be helpful for you to get screened for OCD.
There are different OCD subtypes.
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Here are some common OCD types:
Contamination OCD
Harm OCD
This subtype is consumed with scary and persistent fears around harming others thus causing them to avoid certain items or situations or places. For example, avoiding being around a knife “What if I stab my friend with this knife?” Avoiding any movie, news or article that describes harmdoing such as a murder: “Did I just enjoy reading/watching that? Am I a murderer?”
Compulsions may involve reassurance seeking from those around: “Am I a good person? Would I do this?” Avoidance, as mentioned above, is a compulsion. Checking behavior to make sure you don’t have a thought or haven’t actually done something harmful. Ritual behavior may include confessing everything and anything that you did.
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Sexual Orientation OCD
This subtype is categorized around sexual thoughts and sexuality. For example, intrusive thoughts around whether or not you could be a homosexual: “I just smiled at this person. Does that mean I’m gay?”
Because OCD is the DOUBT disorder, you may feel you need to know sexual orientation with 100% certainty. Thus, leads to compulsions of avoiding (avoiding speaking to friends, people). Another compulsion is checking physical sensations to see if you are aroused.
The obsessions and compulsions are nonstop and distressing!
We understand that struggling with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors related to sexual orientation can be difficult and overwhelming. That’s why we approach each patient with empathy and understanding, recognizing the unique and individual needs of each person.
Pedophile OCD
This subtype consumes thoughts of whether or not they are a pedophile and therefore have attraction or have harmed children. These people aren’t pedophiles but are so scared and preoccupied with wondering if they are that this causes severe anxiety.
Compulsions of avoiding movies with children, playgrounds, children altogether. You ARE NOT a real pedophile similar to someone with harm OCD really ISNT a murdered but the thoughts remain.
Relationship OCD
Those of you with preoccupied thoughts around relationships and seeking certainty! Constantly questioning: “Am I still in love? ”Do they still love me?”. The OCD obsessions will not let you go about your day because you feel you must know your feelings and their feelings about the relationship. Compulsions may be seeking constant reassurance from your partner or others. Another common compulsion is making lists and mental tracking: eg. Listing reasons you DO love the person. The obsessions and compulsions cause anxiety and take up most of the day.
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“Just right” OCD
Believing something is wrong and engaging in rituals to make it feel right. An example could be that furniture needs to be moved over and over again until you feel that it’s finally “right”. Someone may feel they need to express themselves perfectly and will reread emails over and over again for hours until they can send. “Just right” OCD is also a desire for perfectionism when perfectionism isn’t attainable.
Pure-O OCD
When an individual experiences pure Obsessions without visible compulsions or rituals. The obsessions tend to be intrusive, inappropriate, distressing, unwanted thoughts or images. This is generally followed by rumination and reassurance seeking.
Scrupulosity OCD
This subtype is consumed with religious or moral beliefs. Obsessions concerning sin, blasphemy, going to hell, being immoral, punishment and death. Compulsions may be excessive trips to confessions, reassurance, self-sacrifice, and making pacts with God. Like with any OCD, the obsessions cause tremendous distress, consuming and anxiety provoking.
Exposure and Response Prevention
Exposure and Response Prevention gradually exposes to the things that are scary in order to desensitize. In a nutshell, the more you do what you are fearful of, the least scary it becomes. To learn more about ERP, click HERE.
Get the Best OCD Treatment and Support in NYC - Contact Brooklyn Mindful Today
At Brooklyn Mindful in NYC, we understand just how challenging obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders can be. That’s why we’re committed to providing the best possible treatment and support to patients in the New York area. Our team of licensed clinical therapists and psychologists are highly trained and experienced in treating OCD and related disorders. We use a blend of cutting-edge research, proven techniques, and a caring approach to help our patients overcome their OCD symptoms. Whether you prefer individual therapy, group therapy, or a combination of both, we have the expertise and resources to design a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
We believe that support and community play a crucial role in the treatment of OCD and related disorders. That’s why we offer a variety of support groups and resources for our patients, in addition to individual therapy services. Don’t let OCD continue to hold you back. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find hope and support on your path to recovery.
