Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders are two common mental health conditions that can severely impact a person’s quality of life. While they have some distinct features, OCD and anxiety are also frequently interlinked. Getting professional mental Illness treatment tailored to your specific needs is crucial for managing these challenging disorders.

What Is Anxiety?

We’ve all experienced moments of nervousness, especially in situations like public speaking or the first day of school. Those jitters are common and entirely normal. However, for some individuals, anxiety becomes a crippling condition that turns even the simplest tasks into daunting challenges. This heightened anxiety has the potential to drive individuals towards substance abuse, as they seek a means to cope with overwhelming feelings.

As defined by the American Psychological Association, anxiety is “characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” While anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, a disorder  leads to irrational and disproportionate levels of anxiety along with physical symptoms like rapid heart rate, sweating, tremors, and more.

Some of the most common disorders involving anxiety include:

·         Generalized anxiety disorder

·         Social anxiety disorder

·         Panic disorder

·         Phobias

·         Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

When Do People Experience Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders frequently emerge in childhood or adolescence and tend to be chronic conditions. Children as young as three can experience anxiety. Most people with a diagnosed anxiety disorder began feeling symptoms before they reached 21 years old. According to research from the National Alliance on Mental Health, more than 40 million people in the United States suffer from anxiety disorders. That’s nearly 20% of the total population. And while anxiety can affect anyone, research shows that it’s far more likely to impact women than men. In fact, from the teenage years through age 50, women are twice as likely to develop an anxiety disorder.

Doctors diagnose anxiety based on symptoms, duration of symptoms, and ruling out other potential causes. A combination of therapy and medications are typically used for treatment.

What Is OCD?

OCD is a mental health disorder involving recurrent and intrusive thoughts or images and repetitive behaviors. People with OCD experience exhausting, consistent symptoms called obsessions or compulsions. They sometimes include things like washing their hands or repeated checking of doors and lights. These symptoms can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life activities. They can be embarrassing and distracting.

Some common obsessions and compulsions of OCD include

·         Excessive cleaning

·         Excessive handwashing

·         Checking locks and appliances

·         Counting or arranging items in a particular way

·         Hoarding items

·         Repeating words or phrases in your head or out loud

·         Performing superstitious rituals like touching things a certain number of times

It’s estimated that one in 100 adults — or between 2 to 3 million adults in the United States — currently have OCD. The cause of OCD isn’t known. Some evidence has suggested links between certain neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain and OCD. Other research has suggested genetics may also play a role in developing this condition.

The disorder frequently starts in the teen years or young adulthood. Doctors diagnose OCD based on observing symptoms and assessing if obsessions and compulsions severely hinder functioning or cause significant distress.

How Are OCD and Anxiety Related?

There is a high comorbidity between OCD and other anxiety disorders, meaning they often co-occur. The obsessions and anxiety associated with OCD can be considered a manifestation of chronic anxiety. Compulsions are behaviors aimed at managing that anxiety.

Nearly 76% of individuals with OCD will be diagnosed with another anxiety disorder, most commonly panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or a specific phobia. Additionally, due to the nature of OCD and its symptoms, nearly 41% of those with OCD will also be diagnosed with a depressive or bipolar disorder. Around 75% of people with OCD also meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder like social anxiety, PTSD, or generalized anxiety.

·         Severe anxiety can worsen OCD symptoms, while OCD behaviors may heighten anxiety. Treating the two conditions together is often optimal.

·         Both disorders involve dysfunctional activation of brain pathways linked to fear and stress response.

·         So while OCD has unique characteristics, anxiety is also a core component of the disorder. Integrated treatment for both is often recommended.

5 Ways an OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center Can Help

Getting therapy and support specifically tailored to treating mental illness together can be life changing. Here are 5 key advantages of integrated treatment from an OCD and anxiety treatment center.

1.     Accurate diagnosis – Professionals adept at recognizing OCD, anxiety disorders, and where they overlap can provide accurate diagnosis and assessment. This allows for properly customized treatment.

2.     Exposure and response prevention (ERP) for OCD – ERP is the gold standard behavioral technique for OCD, involving gradual exposure to fears paired with preventing compulsions. Practiced clinicians can guide effective ERP.

3.     Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety – CBT focuses on identifying and changing destructive thought patterns that fuel anxiety. OCD and anxiety treatment centers offer expert CBT.

4.     Medication management – SSRIs and other medications help manage mental illness. Doctors at specialty centers are knowledgeable about optimal pharmacological options.

5.     Holistic programs – The best treatment centers offer comprehensive programs with therapy, classes, mindfulness practices, health coaching, and more.

OCD and Anxiety Treatment at Aliya Health Group

Here at Aliya Health Group, we provide fully integrated treatment for OCD, anxiety, and related conditions. Our individualized programs combine therapies, medication management, lifestyle training, and community support.

Treatment is overseen by psychiatrists alongside psychologists, social workers, coaches, and other professionals. We create customized plans to target each client’s unique symptoms and challenges to foster sustainable healing.

Our cutting-edge facilities offer both intensive inpatient and outpatient programs. We aim to deliver OCD and anxiety treatment that is compassionate, life-changing, and research-based.

Don’t continue suffering alone when behavioral therapy can help with types of mental illness. You can overcome mental health issues with support tailored to your needs. Contact us today to discuss options for reclaiming your mental health.