Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
(OCD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder is a form of anxiety that can alter and inhibit a person’s quality of daily living. Obsessions are persistent and repetitive thoughts, images, ideas or impulses that intrude on a person’s mind and cause them heightened levels of anxiety. Many times these thoughts or fears can trigger behaviors known as compulsions, which are used to try to prevent the thoughts and make them go away. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors (external or internal) of any sort. The most common compulsions in OCD consist of:
- Washing hands frequently (to the point of raw hands)
- Checking locks, lights, stove, etc.
- Needing to continuously put things in order
- Saving items
- Cleaning endlessly
- Praying incessantly
- Counting
- Silently or audibly repeating words or phrases
The Antioch Group's OCD Specialty Outpatient Treatment Clinic is the only one credentialed in Central Illinois by the International OCD Foundation. Our OCD Specialist clinicians treat obsessive compulsive disorders, including hoarding, in adults and children.
When it comes to OCD, our therapists are trained to help our clients apply the methods of what is called cognitive-behavioral therapy in order to decrease the symptoms and rituals of OCD. This type of therapy will allow clients to understand how their anxious thoughts are connected to their behaviors. Our therapists will work closely with clients as they process through their anxieties and behaviors in a structured way, while learning healthy and productive ways of dealing with anxiety. It’s time to regain the ability to live free!
- Barbara Toohill, Psy.D.
- Jonna Tyler, LCPC (0–18 years)
See our Find a Therapist page for a complete list of specialties.
* Therapy for OCD is significantly more effective when paired with physician prescribed medication.