Statistics show that 1 in 40 Americans suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is an anxiety disorder where one experiences repetitive and uncontrollable thoughts that lead to compulsive behavior. For many Americans, OCD is severe enough to disrupt their daily activities. The thoughts associated with OCD are irrational and cause unnecessary fear and anxiety. To quell the anxiety and fear, one has to perform certain actions before feeling at ease. When such thoughts are intense and frequent, it becomes hard to focus on other areas of life.
Fortunately, OCD treatment in SLC can improve control over compulsive thoughts and behaviors. At Bloom Recovery, we have a top OCD therapist in Salt Lake City skilled and experienced in providing therapy to counter the symptoms of OCD.
FAQs About Therapy for OCD
Whether you have mild or severe obsessive-compulsive disorder in SLC, therapy can help you establish normalcy in your daily life. Here are answers to questions about therapy for OCD:
What Does OCD Therapy Entail?
Treatment for OCD in SLC involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy commonly used to address anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, among other mental health issues.
The form of CBT used for OCD is exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy that deals with the specific symptoms of the condition. In ERP, individuals are exposed to situations that trigger obsessive thoughts and are trained not to respond to them with compulsive actions.
The ability to resist compulsion gradually reduces the anxiety that accompanies uncontrollable thoughts. With time, patients are able to control their thoughts and prevent them from interfering with their day-to-day lives.
How Long Does Therapy for OCD Last?
Psychotherapy treatment for mild OCD takes a couple of sessions and can be done after about 10 hours of therapy. Severe OCD requires more intensive treatment and often needs several weeks of treatment to see improvements.
You can boost the speed of your recovery by taking part in home exercises your therapist will suggest to combat OCD. These include physical and meditation exercises that keep stress and anxiety levels down.
Are There Other Treatment Options for OCD Besides Therapy?
Besides psychotherapy, medications such as anxiolytics and antidepressants are prescribed to treat OCD. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressants have shown to be quite effective for OCD. The FDA has approved several SSRIs for OCD treatment in adults, including fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine.
What Happens if OCD Therapy and Medication Don’t Work?
If symptoms don’t improve after therapy and medication, more intensive OCD treatment in Salt Lake City is recommended. This means spending more hours in therapy, usually involving a residential stay at a rehabilitation center.
Intensive outpatient rehab can also suffice. This advanced treatment includes ERP but with a stronger emphasis. It also allows specialists to monitor patients closely to identify medication and therapies that work for them.
Top of the Line OCD Therapy
You can find the best therapists in SLC UT for OCD treatment at our practice. When you come to us, we’ll pair you with a leading OCD therapist in Salt Lake City to ensure you access the finest psychotherapy intervention. Contact Bloom Recovery for the best addiction and mental health services today; Phone: 801-866-3546.