Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Residential Treatment Centers
The term “OCD” is often used in a casual sense (unfortunately sometimes in a derogatory manner) to describe anyone who is extremely choosy (“picky”), overly-discerning or particularly insistent about things being neat, clean or orderly. Not all people who have a need for these things would be officially diagnosable with true obsessive-compulsive disorder.
There are certainly some individuals who indeed are suffering from an issue of OCD that is causing real difficulty for themselves and others. The results can span far beyond the initial diagnosis itself, and can lead to other, more serious problems. Furthermore, there are many other types of obsessive-compulsive disorder and many symptoms that do not relate to cleanliness, organization or neatness (that is only one of the types).
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, abbreviated “OCD,” is a condition related to anxiety that is classified by fears and thoughts that are considered to be unreasonable. These fears and thoughts can trigger compulsions (behaviors that occur in a repetitive way).
Even though those who suffer from OCD may be aware that they should not have these feelings or compulsions, they may not be sure how to stop them. Sufferers may try ignoring the symptoms as a way to cope, or they may simply just accept them and resign to the symptoms being part of “who they are.” Residential treatment centers can help those with OCD to overcome this issue and work towards a life with reduced stress caused by the disorder.
What are the Different Types of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
There are many types of OCD, each of which revolves around some kind of theme. For instance, a fear of germs may be the root of one’s obsessive-compulsive disorder. This can cause excessive hand washing, sometimes to the point of skin injury.
Some of the commonly known types of OCD include:
Obsession with Exactness or Symmetry
Compulsive Checking (such as making sure a door is locked or that nothing has been lost)
Arranging and Putting Things in Chronological or other Type of Order
Hoarding
Fear of Contamination (Washing)
Fear of Illness
Aggression/Harming
Counting (belief that certain numbers are of particular significance and must be followed)
What Causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
The exact causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder are not completely known. There are three primary theories about the root of the condition:
- Serotonin Deficiency
- Environmental Factors
- Biological Factors
Treatment Options for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Recovering from this ailment is not possible through the flip advice often given by those who are in the life of an OCD sufferer. Sentiments like, “Stop being so OCD” are often spouted offhandedly with little compassion or grasp on the emotional damage that is being done. The more jokes or insults that a sufferer is the victim of, often the less he or she wants to admit to himself or herself that there is, indeed, a real problem that needs addressing.
Getting treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is best done through residential treatment centers. The staff at these facilities use a great deal of caring, along with a number of established techniques performed with qualified professionals, to help alleviate this very real disorder. Medication may also be used in conjunction with therapy.
How Do Residential Treatment Centers Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Residential treatment centers will take a holistic approach on any OCD sufferer that comes through their doors. What this means specifically is that they will ensure the entire person is treated, and not just the condition itself.
There is a dual purpose for a holistic approach. For one, it ensures that the real issue is addressed. In many cases, a mental health issue such as obsessive-compulsive disorder is actually rooted in a deeper issue, at least partially. The other reason a holistic approach is important is because it ensures that the results of the treatment are thorough and long-lasting.
Treatment options under a holistic approach may include multiple forms of therapy (such as psychotherapy and CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), natural remedies (exposure to nature and the outdoors, herbal supplements, etc.) and prescription medication to increase serotonin levels (such as sertraline, fluoxetine, clomipramine, paroxetine and fluvoxamine).
In addition to residential treatment center care, additional treatment options may include: deep brain stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and trans-cranial magnetic stimulation.