Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Clinic
Butler Hospital is a center of expertise in the treatment and research of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Through research taking place at Butler, such as deep brain stimulation for OCD and genetics studies, people with severe OCD can access innovative new ways to treat their disease while advancing medical science. The team of clinical experts is also dedicated to providing comprehensive care to patients with medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and support groups.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder of both brain and behavior. Individuals with OCD experience automatic and intrusive thoughts (obsessions), which trigger high levels of anxiety. The individual responds to these obsessions by engaging in repetitive acts (compulsions) in an attempt to decrease the anxiety and escape from the obsessions.
Obsessions and compulsions need to be time consuming and result in functional impairment in order to have a diagnosis of OCD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, OCD affects approximately 1 percent% of adults or between 2 and 3 million adults in the United States.
Types of OCD
Research suggests that there are five main subtypes of OCD:
Contamination with washing/cleaning
Harm obsessions with checking compulsions
Obsessions without visible compulsions, known as “pure obsessions”
Obsessions related to symmetry with ordering, arranging and counting compulsions
What Treatment is Available for OCD?
Most people who suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be helped by two established and highly effective treatments that are often used in combination: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. Even people with severe OCD usually benefit from these approaches. Effective treatment for most people with OCD can also include family support and education as well as the care of a properly trained therapist.
» OCD Treatment Options
Psychiatric Neurosurgery
Some individuals, however, do not get adequate relief using the above treatments despite the best efforts of themselves, their doctors, and their therapists. People in this group may be eligible to participate in new research examining Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a treatment for OCD.
» Deep Brain Stimulation for OCD
» Facts About DBS
Contact Us
If you are interested in learning more about OCD treatment and research at Butler Hospital, please call 401-455-6366.
