Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). People with OCD suffer from persistent, recurrent fears and rituals that they feel they cannot control. Typical symptoms can include contamination fears, washing compulsions, repeated checking, or repetitive thoughts. Those with OCD may believe that the ritual behaviors will prevent obsessive thoughts or make them go away; the relief, however, is only temporary, and not performing the rituals can dramatically increase anxiety.

Most clients with OCD benefit from an intensive behavioral therapy program. In vivo and imaginal exposure help confront the situations that clients find frightening and anxiety provoking. Response prevention teaches clients to resist performing compulsive rituals. The behavioral component of treatment may be supplemented by medication when appropriate.

Individually tailored maintenance and relapse prevention training is an important part of every client’s treatment. Clients may choose to maintain and strengthen their gains through as-needed office visits. We also run a free support group every other week in conjunction with the Philadelphia Affiliate of the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation. We have found that close attention to the maintenance needs of our clients is critical to the long-term success of their treatment.

The OCD treatment program for children and adolescents is tailored to include their parents.