OCD Treatment
OCD Treatment in New Jersey
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition and can be challenging to understand and to live with. People with OCD may experience distressing thoughts and images along with time-consuming, repetitive behaviors known as compulsions. OCD treatment in New Jersey is available with proven modalities treating OCD and other co-occurring mental health concerns.
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) ?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that can impact individuals from various age groups and backgrounds. This disorder is characterized by a cycle of reccurring and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges, also known as obsessions. These obsessions can trigger intense feelings of distress. The problem lies where the compulsive behaviors do not end the obsessive thoughts. Each individual’s obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can vary in intensity, frequency and content.
Current research has found that in the functional neurotically of OCD, a critical role has been assigned to the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). This region of the brain is crucially involved in decision making and reward-guided learning. OCD therapists in New Jersey can run the necessary assessments for each case.
Causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Genetic propensity is a direction to examine the cause. It is not uncommon for families to see a pattern or history of OCD throughout generations. Fortunately, mental health is at the forefront of research, and experts have found a difference between OCD developing in children and those who begin the experience as adults. The research leads to the belief that OCD developed in childhood may prove to have a genetic base. OCD appears in men and women as well in all ethnicities, children, and adults.
Other factors that could cause obsessive-compulsive disorder to develop are traumatic life events such as bullying, abuse, neglect, or other significant life events. Personality types also play a role in the development of OCD symptoms. OCD therapists in New Jersey are trained to assess the personality traits contributing to this disorder. However, it is essential to note that being “neat” or “meticulous” is not an indicator of OCD.
Signs and Symptoms of Co-occurring Mental Disorders
Signs of other co-occurring mental disorders must be separately identified in the initial assessment. It is essential to connect with a professional mental health therapist when seeking help for obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCD therapists in New Jersey know the characteristics of obsessive thought patterns. Obsessions repeatedly haunt the affected individual and can occur with different intensity levels. For example, outside stressors in work, relationships, or school could cause an increased level of occurrence.
Only trained therapists can diagnose OCD. Therapists will look for three things while making an assessment:
- The person has obsessions.
- The person engaged in compulsive behaviors.
- The obsessions and compulsions disrupt the person’s life, take a lot of time and get in the way of important activities the person values, such as working, going to school, or spending time with friends.
Another symptom that is less common but reflective of obsessive-compulsive disorder is a motor tic. Many people diagnosed with OCD also complain of having a tic disorder that includes sudden, repetitive movements that the individual cannot control. Eye blinking, facial movements, shoulder shrugging, and head movements are common. Vocal tics can also factor with OCD, including excessive throat clearing, sniffing, or grunting. OCD treatment in New Jersey can also address these issues.
ocd treatment options in new jersey
Learning about OCD helps understand the causes and identify the obsessions and compulsions while building self-confidence and self-esteem. Our therapists offer evidence-based treatments, which include but are not limited to:
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors associated with the patterns of OCD obsessions and compulsions. CBT is designed for individual work between a therapist and patient to identify the negative thoughts and non-effective harmful coping mechanisms. Once the obsessions and compulsions are identified, work can begin with a resolution.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
ERP is a type of CBT that enables individuals to resist urges and compulsive behaviors. After identifying obsessions, ERP therapy teaches how to face the fear or obsession without performing the relieving compulsive behavior. ERP therapists in NJ can help reduce anxiety and decrease the power of obsessions. Our therapists work with patients to face their fears in a safe, controlled environment.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) treats mental health concerns, including obsessive-compulsive disorder. This virtual reality technology allows patients to experience virtual simulations of true-to-life situational triggers for obsessions and compulsions. This exposure is a powerful tool that utilizes modern technology to allow for gradually controlled experiences in a safe environment. The patient uses the provided headset while contacting the therapist online during therapy sessions.
Medication-assisted therapy
Working with a mental health or medical provider to receive medications can help ease the intensity of the symptoms. However, medical and mental health evaluations must be performed before prescribed medications. In addition, ongoing medical medication evaluations must occur to monitor the needed dosages or medication changes.
Find Help Now for OCD Treatment in New Jersey
Mind by Design Counseling in New Jersey is ready to answer your questions about OCD treatment and therapy options. Our certified therapist continually update our knowledge base, treatment options, and training to offer the best treatment options. If you feel you are experiencing OCD or mental health disorders please contact us now.
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Call Today To Get Started
Are you ready to take the next steps to speak with our online therapist? Call us now at 609-300-6481 to get an appointment scheduled.
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Reach out through email and our client care coordinator will get back with you to get an appointment schedule. Get started today.
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Are you new here? If you are looking for more information or ready to schedule an appointment, fill out our new client inquiry form.
Get In Touch With An Online Therapist Today!
Call Today To Get Started
Are you ready to take the next steps to speak with our online therapist? Call us now at 609-300-6481 to get an appointment scheduled.
Get In Touch Through Email
Reach out through email and our client care coordinator will get back with you to get an appointment schedule. Get started today.
New Client Inquiry Form
Are you new here? If you are looking for more information or ready to schedule an appointment, fill out our new client form so we can get to know you better.
Text Us Now
If you don't have time to get on the phone or would rather speak of text. Send us a text with your name and our client care coordinator will get back with you.