OCD Treatment Services Offered in Denver, Colorado

There's currently no known cause of OCD. This can, understandably, be frustrating to somebody who has this mental health disorder. However, research and studies are underway to determine a cause, and it may be that a combination of reasons causes OCD. Researchers have narrowed down some potential possibilities, such as genetics, stressful life moments/events and imbalances or abnormalities within the brain.

The "obsessive" and "compulsive" aspects of OCD are broken down into two parts. An obsession involves having unwanted, recurring and intrusive thoughts or images in the mind. People with OCD typically understand these are irrational and don't want them to happen, so they experience anxiety, stress or depression as a result. 

They may feel the compulsion to do these acts, and in a specific way. Many will act on these thoughts or images to make them go away. 

The symptoms of OCD can be different from one person to the next and in varying degrees. Some symptoms may include:

• Repeatedly checking that a particular task was completed, such as making sure to lock the door
• Frequently washing hands for extended periods of time
• Continuously repeating a word 
• Needing to have everything perfectly clean
• Needing to have items arranged in a specific way
• Repeatedly having thoughts about hurting another person 
• Needing to touch things a certain amount of times 
• Having to do one or more tasks in a particular order, such as when getting dressed 

There's a big difference between having regular, common intrusive thoughts and having OCD. The latter can severely disrupt daily life due to the obsessive and intrusive nature of the repetitive and persistent thoughts. They typically go hand in hand with extreme distress and anxiety and a severe desire to act out those thoughts or images. Standard intrusive thoughts don't interrupt or interfere with daily functioning. 

As an example, you may leave the house and wonder if you left the stove on. Most people will quickly rationalize it, trust they turned it off and dismiss the thought. However, somebody with OCD will obsess over this thought, even after going back to check the stove multiple times. They will remain doubtful and worry that something might happen.

A mental health provider starts with an evaluation, including speaking with you about your habits, thoughts and feelings to determine how often they happen. The provider will evaluate whether you have obsessions, and if you act on them, how you feel before, during and after, and if the obsessions interfere (and to what extent) with your daily life.

OCD symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated. Some people may get to the point of self-harm or use drugs or alcohol to try to cope or mask the symptoms. Getting professional help is key for managing the disorder.