Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (also called OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, persistent, and intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions), which increase anxiety and discomfort, and repetitive, purposeful behaviors or thoughts intended to prevent or reduce anxiety and discomfort (compulsions). Those with OCD may believe that the compulsions (also called rituals) will prevent obsessive thoughts or make them go away, but compulsions provide only temporary and short-lived anxiety reduction. Anxiety and discomfort return often with increased intensity once the obsession reoccurs. This results in a vicious cycle of obsessions and compulsions, which causes escalating anxiety.

Typical symptoms can include contamination fears, repetitive and unwanted thoughts or images or impulses, perfectionism, and fear of harming oneself or others. Typical rituals can include washing compulsions, repeated checking, and mental rituals to avoid thoughts or to provide reassurance.

The AATC offers first-line, scientifically-based treatment for OCD—Exposure with Response Prevention (also called ERP). The “Expert Consensus Guideline” series (March et al., 1997) and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (1997, 1998) practice parameters state that only two treatment modalities are empirically effective in the treatment of OCD:

1. ERP is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy. In ERP, gradual exposure helps clients confront feared situations. Response prevention teaches clients to resist performing compulsive rituals. The OCD treatment program for children and adolescents is tailored to include parents and, with permission, schools.
2. Medication treatment is frequently used to supplement ERP treatment. Medications help to reduce anxiety so that clients can better use the strategies they are learning in ERP.

As treatment goals are achieved, close attention to the maintenance needs of our clients is critical to the long-term success of their treatment. Maintenance and relapse prevention training is an important part of the individually-tailored treatment provided at AATC.

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

Free Support Group

The AATC sponsors a free OCD support group every other week in conjunction with the Philadelphia Affiliate of the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation. Please call 610-667-6490 for the date of the next support group.