Welcome to OCD North!
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions.
Learn more about OCD by reading our frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions don't hesitate to reach out!
Why are Subtypes of OCD Important?
Certain types of OCD respond better to ERP than others. For this reason, identifying a symptom subtype helps the clinician to individualize their treatment plan for their client. OCD is very diverse in nature. Although there are subtypes of OCD, everyone with the disorder has a unique feared consequence. Therefore, while we employ ERP, everyone's treatment plan is unique even if their subtype is the same!
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessions are unwelcome ideas, images, or impulses that create distress. Compulsions are employed to relieve distress. Sadly, compulsions fail and the thought, picture, or impulse returns. Because the compulsion succeeded the first time, the brain learns to rely on it. When it no longer relieves the mind, the compulsion grows heavier or more complex. OCD can disrupt one's entire day. It is one of the top 20 causes of disability globally.
What are the Subtypes of OCD?
The OCD symptom subtypes include: contamination, postpartum, sexual, harm, scrupulosity (religious), symmetry/exactness, relationship, health.
How does Exposure and Response Prevention Work?
Following an in-depth assessment, ERP works by helping the person with OCD purposely confront fearful situations without performing compulsions. Done repeatedly and in a variety of situations, the person with OCD becomes less fearful and learns that the distress goes away or reduces on its own without the need for compulsions. This process is called habituation. Another process that may occur through ERP is called inhibitory learning. Occurring when the person with OCD learns to associate a new emotion with the fear, violating the negative expectation.
What is Exposure and Response Prevention?
ERP is a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy that exclusively works to treat OCD. ERP is the only research-supported therapy for OCD and is effective in reducing symptoms in approximately 70% of sufferers. Most people that respond to ERP need to stay vigilant to ensure symptoms do not return.
Is OCD a Disability?
OCD can cause significant impairment in functioning, causing some individuals to be stuck in the OCD cycle for 9 hours per day or more.
Does ODC _____?
Does OCD go away?
With the help of a qualified therapist, OCD sufferers can achieve symptom remission. OCD remission means that the person with OCD has learned new skills and techniques to manage new OCD symptoms while monitoring ERP symptoms.
Does OCD get worse with Age?
Only if the individual does not seek treatment. The earlier it's caught, the easier it is to treat!
Does OCD get worse?
Without proper treatment, OCD is chronic and does tend to get worse.
Does OCD run in Families?
Research indicates a genetic maternal link is common in young children with symptoms of OCD. More than 50% of adults with OCD report an onset of symptoms in childhood.
Still have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to us!