Finding Relief from the Cycle
Causes and Treatments for OCD
You do not have to navigate OCD alone. Our psychologist and psychiatrist are here to support you.
The struggle with OCD is often exhausting and deeply isolating.
If you are caught in its cycle of intrusive obsessions and repetitive compulsions, you have likely asked yourself the same questions over and over: “Why is this happening to me?” and “Will I ever be able to stop?” It’s natural to ask these important questions, and seeking to understand them is a crucial part of the healing process.
What Causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
There is no single, simple answer to what causes OCD. Research suggests that the condition may arise from a combination of factors that are unique to each individual.
Biological and Genetic Factors
- Brain Function. Differences in brain activity and structure are being explored as potential factors. It’s thought that the way an individual’s brain processes information and emotions could play a part in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
- Brain Chemistry. The balance of natural chemicals in the brain is believed to be important. Some researchers think an imbalance in these chemical messengers may contribute to the symptoms.
- Genetics. A person’s genetic makeup may be a contributing factor. The condition sometimes appears in multiple members of the same family, which suggests a possible hereditary link.
Environmental and Experiential Factors
- Environmental Factors. Significant life stress or trauma may be a factor. For some, the onset of symptoms appears to be preceded by challenging life events, such as a significant loss or a period of intense pressure.
- Behavioral Patterns. The cycle of obsessions and compulsions can become a learned habit. When a compulsive action temporarily reduces anxiety, that feeling of relief can reinforce the behavior, making it more likely to be repeated over time.
Finding Stability With Effective Treatment
While living with OCD is challenging, there are highly effective treatments available that can significantly reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Most treatment plans often involve a combination of specialized psychotherapy and medication.
Psychotherapy
Therapy is a cornerstone of treatment, teaching you healthier ways to respond to obsessive thoughts. Evidence-based approaches, like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, focus on helping you challenge the thought patterns and behaviors that fuel the OCD cycle. A type of CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention, can help you learn to face your fears gradually while resisting the urge to perform compulsions. When done under the guidance of a mental health professional, this powerful approach can help retrain your brain to tolerate anxiety and break the cycle.
Medication Management
For many individuals, medication is a crucial tool that provides the stability needed for therapy to be more effective. By reducing the intensity of anxiety and obsessive thoughts, medications like SSRIs create the mental space to engage in therapy. Finding the right medication and dosage is a careful process that requires the expertise of a psychiatrist.
Supportive Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are not a cure, but they play a vital role in managing overall stress and improving your resilience, which can make your primary treatments more effective. Integrating these habits can create a strong foundation for your recovery.
- Stress Management. Since stress is a major trigger for OCD symptoms, developing a consistent stress-reduction practice is key. This can include mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises to help lower your baseline anxiety.
- Regular Exercise. Consistently exercising, such as brisk walking or jogging, effectively improves mood and reduces anxiety by regulating neurotransmitters and providing a healthy outlet for nervous energy.
- Consistent Sleep Schedule. When you don’t get enough sleep, it can significantly heighten anxiety and obsessive thinking. Prioritizing a regular sleep schedule is crucial for emotional regulation and brain health.
- Connecting with a Support System. Joining a support group, whether in-person or online, can be incredibly validating. When you share your experiences with others who have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, it helps you realize you’re not alone, which can lessen feelings of shame and isolation.
Our Approach to OCD Treatment
You do not have to remain a prisoner to the cycle of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. At Resilient Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services, our mental health professionals are here to help with comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based treatment options, including therapy with our licensed psychologist, Dr. Christina Whelan, and medication management with our psychiatrist, Dr. Sean Whelan.
Contact us by filling out the form below. If you do not receive a response within 36 hours, please email us at admin@resilienttherapyokc.com.