Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a term frequently used, rarely understood, and often missed in diagnosis. In most cases, when we refer to somebody who is obsessive-compulsive, we are referring to habits and mannerisms that are finicky or detail-oriented or one who has difficulty with responsibility, generally a “Type A” personality. This is not a disease. This is a part of a person’s profile and only becomes a problem in the extreme, when it interferes with daily functioning.

The true diagnosis of “obsessive-compulsive disorder,” on the other hand, is entirely different. Upward to 3% of the population deal with this disorder, and most of them go unrecognized because of the embarrassment the individuals feel. They are embarrassed by the fact that they cannot stop washing their hands, checking the door to see if it is locked, counting and recounting, organizing, hoarding (collecting material and unable to throw it away), or other irrational obsessions (thoughts) or compulsions (behaviors) that are inconsistent with the individual’s values and cause an enormous amount of stress when resisted. Fortunately, today we have a number of treatments that can be highly effective for OCD. If individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder are recognized and treated, they can lead a normal lifestyle.

At Sierra Tucson, patients sometimes come in with a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder. More often, it is picked up in our comprehensive evaluation. Once identified, the problem becomes part of the patient’s treatment plan. Treatment consists of cognitive therapy and/or medication therapy, along with the other treatment modalities used at Sierra Tucson.

For more information, please call us anytime at 1-800-842-4487
or speak confidentially online with a caring staff member.
You may also contact us by e-mail to request more information.