Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition that is characterized by intrusive thoughts, or obsessions, and repetitive behaviors, known as compulsions. People who have OCD often experience feelings of distress and have impaired functioning.
While occasional urges to deep clean the house or double-check that the front door is locked are common, living with OCD is different. People who have OCD face persistent and unwanted thoughts and behaviors that consume a significant amount of time and impact their daily lives.
At Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital, we provide compassionate and high-quality inpatient treatment for adults age 18 and older who are struggling with acute symptoms of OCD. Our state-of-the-art mental health hospital in southwestern Michigan offers comprehensive care in a safe and secure environment. By receiving treatment, people who have OCD can gain the skills to learn how to manage the symptoms they’re experiencing, leading to more fulfilling and happier lives.
Signs & Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves a combination of obsessions and compulsions. However, people who have OCD may have only obsessions or compulsions, or a combination of signs and symptoms.
Obsessions are recurring and intrusive thoughts, urges, and mental images that are difficult to control and can cause significant distress. These obsessions are often unwanted and go against a person’s values or beliefs. A sense of anxiety, fear, or discomfort typically accompanies obsessions.
Common symptoms of obsessions of OCD include:
- Fear of dirt, germs, and contamination
- The need for items to be arranged in a particular order or sequence
- Intrusive thoughts that may be offensive, sexual, and taboo
- Fear of causing harm to self or others due to accidents or negligence
- Constant doubt or insecurity
- Unwanted aggressive or violent thoughts
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts people may feel driven to perform in response to obsessions. Compulsions are typically aimed at reducing anxiety, preventing perceived harm, and neutralizing intrusive thoughts. However, they often provide only temporary relief and can contribute to a cycle of unwanted obsessions and compulsions.
Common compulsions of OCD include:
- Excessive cleaning, hand-washing, and sanitization rituals
- Repeatedly checking locks or appliances
- Following strict routines
- Excessive rumination like silent counting, reciting prayers, and mentally repeating events
- Collecting or hoarding behaviors
Compulsions are often time-consuming and can significantly interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. Compulsions might offer temporary relief from anxiety, but they can reinforce the symptoms of OCD and make it difficult to find peace.
At Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital, our OCD treatment program is designed to help people break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. The therapies available in our program target the behavioral, emotional, and psychological aspects of living with OCD.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Causes & Risk Factors
Researchers aren’t sure why some people develop OCD symptoms while others do not. However, OCD is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, biological, and psychological factors. Some people are more susceptible to developing a mental health disorder like OCD due to early childhood experiences, stressful life events, or certain changes in brain chemistry.
Potential causes of and risk factors for obsessive-compulsive disorder include:
- A family history of OCD or another mental health condition
- Impaired functioning or imbalance of certain areas within the brain
- Traumatic events such as abuse, trauma, and significantly stressful life events
- Certain personality traits, such as the need for perfectionism or control
A combination of these factors likely influences the development of OCD. Each person has unique needs, so we believe that their treatment should be customized. At Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital, we offer personalized treatment for adults who are struggling with OCD and need immediate help. The cycle of obsessions and compulsions doesn’t have to control your life. Treatment is available today.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Statistics
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
- 1.2% of all adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with OCD in the past year.
- People have a 25% chance of developing OCD if a parent or sibling has the disorder.
- The rate of OCD among females is three times that of males.
- More than half of adults who have OCD experience severe impairment as a result of the disorder.
- 2.3% of adults in the U.S. will have OCD at some point in their lives.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a complex condition, and every person has a different experience with the disorder. Seeking professional help is a crucial step to finding peace and healing for a mental health concern. At an inpatient treatment center, you can receive a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, a personalized treatment plan, and ongoing support that is tailored to your specific needs.
Effects of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
If OCD is left untreated, it can have a profound impact on multiple areas of someone’s life. Compulsive rituals and obsessive thoughts can consume a significant amount of time, making it difficult to focus on relationships, work, and personal responsibilities. Untreated OCD can lead to diminished well-being, reduced enjoyment in activities, and overall dissatisfaction with life.
Potential effects of OCD also include:
- Emotional distress
- Difficulties with relationships and social situations
- Health problems
- Financial struggles
- Challenges with work or school
- Difficulty establishing an independent lifestyle
- Increased risk for co-occurring mental health disorders
- Heightened risk for suicide
Recognizing the signs, symptoms, and effects of OCD is the first step toward healing. It is essential to receive a proper diagnosis and seek care early to address obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you choose to receive treatment at Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital, our team of experts will collaborate with you to evaluate your specific needs and recommend therapies that can help.
Therapies Used to Treat OCD
People who have OCD often benefit from a variety of treatments to address the complex emotional, social, and physical aspects of the disorder. At Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital, we offer individual, family, and group therapy sessions that are led by members of our trained multidisciplinary team. These behavioral health professionals include:
- Psychiatrists
- Social workers
- Counselors
- Registered nurses
- Licensed practical nurses
- Psychiatric nurse practitioners
- Behavioral health technicians
- Psychologists
- Dietitians
- Recreational therapists
Therapies at Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital are informed by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people challenge and then change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. In therapy sessions, people can learn how to identify obsessions such as catastrophic thinking and intrusive thoughts. Then they can learn how to develop more helpful and positive thinking patterns instead. This can lead to reduced anxiety and distress.
Effective treatment for OCD can help someone see that they have the ability to live a fulfilling life in spite of a mental health disorder. At Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital, our aim is to empower people to thrive and find peace as they continue to heal and grow.
Benefits of Inpatient Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment
At Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital, we offer acute inpatient treatment for people who are struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Our inpatient program takes place in a highly structured and safe environment where people who have severe OCD symptoms can receive intensive therapies, medication management services, and professional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Acute inpatient treatment is particularly important for people who have OCD and are experiencing severe distress, crisis situations, or significant suicidal thoughts. Our inpatient treatment center has the resources and trained staff to provide a safe environment, intensive therapy, and round-the-clock monitoring.
Mental health disorders like OCD can progress, and symptoms can become more overwhelming over time. By seeking help early, people who have OCD can have a better chance of achieving positive outcomes and minimizing the long-term impact of the disorder. Additional benefits of inpatient OCD treatment may include:
- Stabilization of crisis situations
- Better overall functioning
- Improved physical health
- Supportive guidance
- Peer support
OCD treatment offers people the supportive guidance of trained professionals, evidence-based therapies and interventions, and the opportunity to develop strategies to manage mental health disorder symptoms. At Bronson, we provide a safe space where people can express their concerns, fears, emotions, and struggles without judgment. A comprehensive support system is vital for the continued healing of OCD.
If you or someone you know has obsessive-compulsive disorder and needs help, we encourage you to reach out today. Timely treatment for OCD can make a significant difference in someone’s long-term wellness and overall life satisfaction.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital.
