OCD & Related Disorders

Are intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors controlling your life? At Mind Body Health, we specialize in evidence-based treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Our team of experienced psychologists is dedicated to helping you break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by:

• Obsessions: Unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety
• Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety

OCD can manifest in various ways, including:

1. Contamination fears and cleaning rituals
2. Checking behaviors (locks, appliances, etc.)
3. Symmetry and ordering compulsions
4. Intrusive violent or sexual thoughts
5. Religious or moral obsessions (scrupulosity)

Interventions: 

At Mind Body Health, we utilize evidence-based therapies proven effective in treating OCD:

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is the gold standard treatment for OCD. This technique involves:

• Gradual exposure to anxiety-triggering situations
• Learning to resist compulsive behaviors
• Building tolerance to anxiety and uncertainty

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with OCD. Our experienced therapists will work with you to:

• Recognize obsessive thoughts
• Develop coping strategies
• Challenge irrational beliefs

Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)

• Identifying and challenging obsessive doubts
• Recognizing and modifying faulty inferences
• Strengthening reality-based perceptions
• Developing trust in sensory information
• Reducing reliance on imaginary possibilities

Medication Management

When appropriate, we collaborate with psychiatrists to provide:

• Evaluation for medication options
• Monitoring of medication effectiveness
• Adjustment of treatment plans as needed

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s appearance. These flaws are often minor or even nonexistent to others, but for individuals with BDD, they cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. 

Symptoms of BDD: 

• Excessive concern and persistent thoughts about physical appearance and perceived flaws
• Repetitive behaviors or mental acts in response to appearance concerns
• Excessive grooming or checking behaviors
• Seeking reassurance about appearance
• Avoiding social situations or photographs
• Comparing one’s appearance to others
• Seeking unnecessary cosmetic procedures
• Skin picking or other body-focused repetitive behaviors
• Camouflaging perceived flaws with makeup, clothing, or body positioning

Common Areas of Concern in BDD

• Facial features (nose, skin, hair)
• Body weight and shape
• Muscle size and definition
• Genitalia
• Breast size
• Any other body part or aspect of appearance

BDD can significantly affect an individual’s overall mental health and quality of life:

• Depression and anxiety
• Social isolation and relationship difficulties
• Impaired academic or occupational functioning
• Low self-esteem and negative self-image
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Co-occurring eating disorders
• Substance abuse as a coping mechanism

Interventions: 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Challenging distorted thoughts about appearance
• Exposure and response prevention techniques
• Developing healthy coping strategies
• Targeting behavior change such as limiting mirror checking and reassurance seeking 

Medication

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Other antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications as appropriate

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Focusing on accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment
• Focusing on mindfulness meditation and attending to the present moment
• Committing to values-based actions despite appearance concerns

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Mindfulness skills to manage distressing thoughts
• Emotion regulation techniques

Family-Based Treatment

• Educating family members about BDD
• Developing a supportive home environment

Psychoeducation and Culturally Sensitive Therapy

• Understanding the difference between body image and physical appearance
• Recognizing cultural influences on body ideals

• Understanding the potential risks of seeking cosmetic procedures for BDD as often cosmetic interventions don’t alleviate BDD symptoms
• Why cosmetic interventions often don’t alleviate BDD symptoms

BDD in Special Populations: BDD can present in specific ways in specific populations

Muscle Dysmorphia

• A subtype of BDD primarily affecting males
• Obsession with muscle size and definition
• Relationship to steroid use and excessive exercise

BDD and Gender Identity

• Intersection of BDD with gender dysphoria
• Unique considerations in transgender and non-binary individuals

Technology and BDD

• The impact of social media on body image and BDD
• “Snapchat dysmorphia” and the influence of filters

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition that can significantly impact an individual’s life. With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals with BDD can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. It’s crucial for those experiencing symptoms of BDD to seek help from mental health professionals who specialize in this disorder. Remember, recovery is possible, and support is available.

Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) can be a source of significant distress and impact your self-esteem. If you’re struggling with habits like skin picking, hair pulling, or nail biting, know that there are effective treatments available to help you manage your symptoms.

Interventions: 

• Individual Counseling: Personalized sessions to address your specific BFRB and develop coping strategies.
• Habit Reversal Training (HRT): Learn techniques to interrupt and replace your BFRB behavior.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to your BFRB.
• Mindfulness Techniques: Explore mindfulness practices to increase self-awareness. Determine what situations or emotions may trigger your BFRBs. Practice mindfulness meditation to help reduce stress.

Common BFRBs

• Skin Picking (Dermatillomania or Excoriation Disorder)
• Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania)
• Nail biting 
• Lip biting

If you’re struggling with BFRBs, don’t hesitate to seek help. Our compassionate team is here to support you and help you find relief.