What are Obsessions?

Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses that are unwanted or inappropriate and appear to be outside of a person’s control. Obsessions tend to cause significant stress and anxiety because the content of the thoughts are often in direct opposition to how the person typically thinks or feels. Often the person recognizes that the thoughts are irrational or bizarre, but is unable to be fully reassured by this knowledge.

What are Compulsions?

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in an attempt to neutralize the distress or anxiety caused by the obsession. Compulsions may or may not be logically related to the obsession. Much like obsessions, the person often knows that the compulsions are excessive or unreasonable, however still feels the need to perform them.

What is the Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Help for Wellness therapists are trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy which is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that has been shown to be highly effective in treating OCD. Treatment involves exposure to whatever triggers the anxiety or fear and then preventing the compulsive behavioral response.