"Thoughts would get stuck in my head. I felt depressed, and would tell doctors about the depression, but not the thoughts. I was embarassed and never volunteered the information.
Dr. Martorano was the first doctor who ever asked about the thoughts, and made me feel safe about not being embarassed. I finally got treatment for my obsessive compulsive disorder. My life isn't perfect, but it's a lot better and I finally have something to work towards."
--M.R.
HELP FOR OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
Do I have OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes persistent, upsetting thoughts (obsessions), which are followed by rituals (compulsions) to control the anxiety. The process can become so automatic that you may no longer recognize the behaviors you do to ease the anxiety that the thoughts cause. Sometimes people confuse OCD for ADHD, or depression.
Where can I get help?
The two most effective routes for managing OCD are antidepressants, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
1. If you are willing to take antidepressants, a psychiatrist who specializes in anxiety disorders and has training in CBT is your best bet. Combining medication with therapy is usually the quickest route to relieving symptoms. Once your symptoms are under control, it's easier to do the CBT.
2. If you are not willing to take medication, then you need to do CBT. Find a therapist who specializes in treating OCD and who has a lot of experience with CBT. Do not see a counselor or an analyst- these therapies will not be effective for your illness.
How treatment works?
The type of CBT that is most effective for treating OCD relies on a process called "graded exposures." While exposing yourself to the thought or thing that disturbs you, you try to resist carrying out the compulsion. As you think or do the thing that scares you, you measure your distress levels using a specific scale. As the therapy works, you will experience decreased anxiety levels and it will become easier to resist the compulsions.
SSRI's, Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa are all very effective in managing OCD. However, you will need to take different dosages than you would for depression. This should always be done under the supervision of a qualified psychiatrist with experience treating OCD.
If you are on a budget, you can try a workbook on your own. The most effective workbook I have found is The OCD Workbook, now in its second edition. Another great book about OCD is Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, by Johnathan Grayson.
If your symptoms do not get better after reading the books, you really should consider working with a doctor. OCD is difficult to treat and can be quite debilitating. Getting help can improve your life dramatically.
To Schedule a Consultation, Please Call 310-593-4827
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