Learn about OCD symptoms, causes, and how to treat obsessive compulsive personality disorder in this comprehensive article
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that can greatly reduce a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, it is treatable. Keep reading to learn how to treat obsessive compulsive personality disorder.
OCD is a chronic disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, recurring thoughts and behaviors they feel they must continuously repeat. OCD can prevent an individual from completing daily tasks and fully enjoying life. Before we can learn how to treat obsessive compulsive personality disorder, we must take a look at OCD’s characteristic symptoms.
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OCD is characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions. Common obsessions include:
A person with OCD engages in compulsive behavior in an effort to keep obsessive thoughts under control. Examples of compulsive behaviors include:
You may be wondering how to treat obsessive compulsive personality disorder if you or a loved one are displaying OCD-like symptoms. Some behaviors are stereotypical of OCD in popular culture, but they don’t mean that someone has a personality disorder.
A true OCD diagnosis will involve the following symptoms:
Part of understanding how to treat obsessive compulsive personality disorder involves learning who is at risk. OCD is typically diagnosed in people around the age of 19. However, later onset can occur. The condition has been first diagnosed in people as old as 35.
Symptoms tend to manifest earlier in boys than it does in girls. The condition is more common in males during childhood, but is more likely to develop in females during adolescence and adulthood. It equally affects people of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
Here are some risk factors that possibly play a part in OCD development:
Treatment for OCD typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. If you are asking “how to treat obsessive compulsive personality disorder,” keep reading to learn about different OCD treatment options.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed to OCD patients. Like many anxiety disorders, OCD is characterized by low levels of serotonin. SSRIs boost serotonin production to relieve associated symptoms of anxiety and depression. If SSRIs don’t relieve symptoms, an antipsychotic may be prescribed. This type of medication can be beneficial for people with OCD and tic disorders. They are also effective in reducing anxiety.
Medications come with their share of side effects and may only be prescribed when therapy isn’t working. However, in the case of a severe mental illness like OCD, drugs are often necessary. Medication is one part of how to treat obsessive compulsive personality disorder.
Psychotherapy is an umbrella term for any type of talk therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to treat OCD. It involves addressing negative thought processes to yield healthy behavior patterns.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a type of CBT that is the most effective in reducing OCD symptoms. It involves exposing the patient to their fears and helping them make the choice to not engage in compulsive behaviors. The desired outcome is to reduce the compulsion.4
Medication and talk therapy may also be combined with holistic therapy. Some types of holistic therapy include:
These all-natural treatments can be effective in reducing anxiety, and are often encouraged in conjunction with therapeutic treatment modalities.
When you are looking for how to treat obsessive compulsive personality disorder, you will find that OCD treatment is typically administered in an outpatient setting. Here are the different types of outpatient care programs:
How to treat obsessive compulsive personality disorder will vary from person to person. A treatment plan will depend on an individual’s budget, situation, and the severity of their illness. If you or a loved one are suffering from OCD, talk to a medical professional to determine which is best suited to your needs.
Now that you know how to treat obsessive compulsive personality disorder, you can move forward with finding a treatment center in your area.
It’s important to find a treatment center that offers a comfortable atmosphere, highly trained staff, and specialized treatment that addresses your needs. You can spend hours researching which clinic is right for you, or you can call Advaita Integrated Medicine (AIM) first.
At AIM, we treat a wide variety of mental health disorders. Our integrative medicine approach combines well-researched conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies. We can help you with psychiatric evaluations, medication management, therapy and counseling, and preventative primary care.
We are located in Raleigh, North Carolina, where we offer in-person appointments. We can help anyone in North Carolina through our virtual sessions.
Don’t let OCD take over your life. Connect with AIM today. We will help you manage your mental health disorder and find the health and happiness you deserve.
Gregory Ng is the CEO of Brooks Bell. In his nearly 25 years in marketing, Greg has created innovative solutions leading to digital and cognitive transformations for the biggest high-tech, retail and financial brands in the world. Greg adds knowledge in marketing strategy, content production, and brand awareness to the AHV advisory board.
Hunt Broyhill holds several positions within the Broyhill family offices and serves as President, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of BMC Fund and Chief Executive Officer of Broyhill Asset Management. Hunt brings valuable experience in capital allocation, real estate, and investor relations to the AHV advisory board.
Alan Hughes was formerly the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. In addition to BCBS, Alan held officer positions in both operations and technology at GE Commercial Finance, Deutsche Bank, and American Express. Alan brings a unique combination of efficient process design and technological problem solving to the AHV advisory board.
Lynn is the CEO of Broadstep. Previously, Lynn held various roles in both healthcare and finance where she oversaw multi-site, multi-state organizations within primary care, acute and chronic services, hospitals, and pharmacies. Lynn brings valuable experience in healthcare leadership, recruiting, and growth strategy to the AHV advisory board.
John Roos is the retired Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Under Roos’s tenure, the company’s revenue grew from $1.5 billion to $9.5 billion, while adding 1 million members. John brings valuable experience in growth strategy, enterprise sales, and provider contracting to the AHV advisory board.
Dr. Hendree Jones is the Executive Director of UNC-Horizons and an internationally recognized expert in behavioral and pharmacologic treatments for pregnant women and their children. Dr. Jones has received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health since 1994 and has over 200 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Jones is an advisor to the UN, WHO, SAMHSA, ASAM, and ACOG through which she consults throughout the United States and internationally. Dr. Jones brings valuable experience in grant writing, research, and healthcare administration to the AHV advisory board.
Brad is the CEO Emeritus for BCBSNC and Chair of the BCBSNC Foundation. He served as Gov. Jim Hunt’s general counsel and is a past chair of the UNC Board of Governors. Brad serves on numerous public and private boards and is a lifelong North Carolinian with degrees from Appalachian State, Wake Forest, and Duke. He brings valuable experience in healthcare, law, higher education, and politics.
Jake Summers is a passionate entrepreneur who is dedicated to bringing the energy of change to existing healthcare business models and making higher quality healthcare more accessible. Jake co-founded a mango farming/export company in Cambodia and serves as an advisor for a number of small businesses. Jake is the co-founder of Advaita Integrated Medicine and is the Development Director and a Partner of Green Hill.
Tripp Johnson is a serial healthcare entrepreneur who’s dedicated his post-military professional life to serving young adults. He is the co-founder of Advaita Integrated Medicine, Advaita Health Ventures, and Green Hill Recovery. Tripp is passionate about making quality healthcare more affordable and accessible through innovative business models and technology-focused solutions.