Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
Anna Breytman, Ph.D.
New York, New Jersey, and Online
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and OC Spectrum Disorders
Current research indicates that approximately 3% of the general population is experiencing symptoms of OCD. This means that one out of 40 people have OCD.
Common types of OCD:
- Germs and contamination
- Scrupulosity/ morality/religion
- Responsibility obsessions
- Aggressive/ sexual obsessions. Fears of harm to self or others
- Doubting and difficulty tolerating uncertainty
- Perfectionism
- Needing excessive order exactness and symmetry
- Need to know
- Fears of making decisions and mistakes
- Identity obsessions
- Relationship obsessions
- Obsessions about death and existence
Reach out today to request an in-person or remote therapy session.
Most commonly treated OC spectrum disorders:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Compulsive Hoarding
Anna Breytman, Ph.D.
Therapy offices in:
- New York City,
Upper West Side - Princeton, New Jersey
Plus Remote Therapy
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neurobiological disorder which is characterized by obsessions, or unwanted and intrusive thoughts, as well as compulsions. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental rituals that are generally utilized to diminish the distress and anxiety associated with obsessions. Symptoms are significant enough that they interfere with daily functioning, relationships with others, and life goals.
Current research indicates that approximately 3% of the general population is experiencing symptoms of OCD. This means that one out of 40 people have OCD.
Common types of OCD
- Germs and contamination
- Scrupulosity/ morality/religion
- Responsibility obsessions
- Aggressive/ sexual obsessions. Fears of harm to self or others
- Doubting and difficulty tolerating uncertainty
- Perfectionism
- Needing excessive order exactness and symmetry
- Need to know
- Fears of making decisions and mistakes
- Identity obsessions
- Relationship obsessions
- Obsessions about death and existence
The most effective type of treatment for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention.
The vast majority, 65% of individuals, will develop OCD before the age of 25, typically in childhood and adolescence. Onset is typically gradual unless it is related to a possible diagnosis of PANDAS.
The most prominent theory of the cause of OCD is abnormal levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is considered an OC spectrum disorder because it shares some characteristics of OCD. The primary feature of BDD is an excessive concern about the appearance of a body part. This concern preoccupies an individual throughout the day and causes a great deal of emotional distress. As a consequence of this, an individual may avoid certain activities, particularly social situations. Daily routines and the ability to function in certain settings, such as work and school, is significantly impaired.
Prevalence rates for BDD are anywhere between 1 and 2% of the general population. However, this may be an underestimation since individuals often seek non-psychiatric cosmetic/dermatological treatment first. Individuals may be too embarassed about their symptoms to seek appropriate treatment. It is also common for individuals to be misdiagnosed as depressed or sufferning from social anxiety. As a result, proper treatment, such as exposure and reponse prevention, may be delayed.
Anna Breytman, Ph.D.
Therapy offices in:
- New York City,
Upper West Side - Princeton, New Jersey
Plus Remote Therapy
Treatment for Compulsive Hoarding
Often considered to be related to or a symptom of OCD, hoarding is defined by the excessive acquisition and saving of items that have little or no particular value. Additionally, hoarders have a great deal of difficulty discarding items that they have collected. When they do attempt to throw away belongings, they experience significant levels of distress. Individuals may also think obsessively about their items and may be unable to make decisions related to their belongings. Along with decision making, organizational skills are likewise limited. All of these symptoms cause some degree of functional impairment. Typically, hoarding behavior results in clutter and loss of functional living space within the home. Individuals may experience interspersonal stress and isolation as a result of their hoarding.
Often family members are deeply affected by the individual’s behavior and living environment and can be instrumental in getting persons to participate in treatment.
Get Started with Therapy Today
Reach out today to get started with online or in-person therapy in NYC or Princeton, New Jersey.
Get In Touch
Call
(201) 694-2129
Address
New Jersey office location:
194 North Harrison Street
Princeton, NJ 08540
New York City, Manhattan,
Upper West Side:
27 West 86 Street, Suite 1B
NYC, NY 10024
