What is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)? What is the best treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder? Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition defined by obsessions and compulsions. It is often a frequent and repetitive behavior.
Obsessions include unwanted and intrusive thoughts or urges that cause distress and anxiety, such as a fear of germs, unwanted or aggressive thoughts towards yourself or others, or needing everything in perfect condition. Compulsions are behaviors or rituals performed to reduce or ease the anxiety and distress caused by the obsessions, such as excessive cleaning, compulsive counting, or arranging materials in a precise way.1
The obsessions experienced in OCD are often irrational and cause extreme anxiety. Individuals perform compulsive behaviors or rituals to help stop obsessive thoughts.
This only eases the anxiety for a short time, and the obsessive thoughts will occur again. Many compulsions or rituals are time-consuming and interfere with daily life.
Contamination OCD is the most common type of OCD. The focus of this type is on dirt and cleanliness. Symptoms of contamination OCD include:2
Rumination OCD is also referred to as obsessions without visible compulsions. These involve unwanted thoughts, images, or urges around aggressive, sexual, or violent themes.
Symptoms include:4
Hoarding OCD is different from hoarding disorder. Those with hoarding disorder gather items because they believe there is value in them.
People with hoarding-type of OCD collect items in response to an obsessive thought or anxiety. The items are often unwanted, but they believe getting rid of items may cause something bad to happen.5
If you’re searching “what is the best treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder” for severe OCD, there may be some comorbidity. Severe OCD means that the obsessions and compulsions are causing significant distress. They are consuming large amounts of time in the person’s daily life. Severe OCD is often associated with other mental health disorders.
Common disorders that can co-occur with OCD are:
At AIM, we offer a variety of programs designed to assist individuals with mental health conditions and substance abuse. Our programs consist of an interdisciplinary approach that includes the following treatment options:
What is the best treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder? The answer to that question will vary from person to person – but our knowledgeable and compassionate AIM staff will help you find out.
We will work with you to create an individual treatment program that meets your needs.
For more information about OCD and treatment options, contact us at 919.893.4465 and get started on treatment for OCD today. We can’t wait to meet you and see you thrive!
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.