Obsessive-compulsive Disorders - Synapse Behavioral

Obsessive-compulsive Disorder Treatment
in South Jersey

Living with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can be exhausting and isolating. If intrusive thoughts won't leave you alone or you feel trapped by repetitive rituals, you're not alone.

Our psychiatrists and therapists in Marlton, New Jersey, specialize in OCD treatment, using evidence-based approaches and medication management to help you break free from the OCD cycle.

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What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety or prevent feared outcomes.

Despite media portrayals, OCD is not just a need to be neat or organized. It's a serious condition where obsessions and compulsions consume significant time, cause intense distress, and interfere with daily life. People with OCD often recognize their thoughts are irrational but feel powerless to stop them.

Breaking Free from OCD

OCD can feel overwhelming, but it's highly treatable. With specialized therapy and medication, most people experience significant improvement and regain control of their lives. You don't have to let intrusive thoughts dictate your actions or spend hours performing rituals.

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Obsessions & Compulsions

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Obsessions

Obsessions are persistent, unwanted thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause intense anxiety or distress. Common themes include:

Contamination:

Fear of germs, dirt, illness, or contaminating others

Harm:

Intrusive thoughts about hurting yourself or others, even though you don't want to

Symmetry and ordering:

Need for things to be arranged in a specific, perfect way

Forbidden thoughts:

Unwanted sexual, religious, or violent thoughts that go against your values

Losing control:

Fear of acting on impulses or saying something inappropriate

Doubt and reassurance:

Persistent doubt about whether you've done something correctly (Did I lock the door? Did I hurt someone?)

Compulsions

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts you feel driven to do in response to obsessions. They temporarily reduce anxiety but reinforce the OCD cycle. Common compulsions include:

Cleaning and washing:

Excessive handwashing, showering, or cleaning to eliminate contamination fears

Checking:

Repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or switches to prevent feared outcomes

Counting:

Counting to a certain number or in specific patterns

Ordering and arranging:

Placing objects in exact positions or symmetrical patterns

Repeating:

Repeating actions, words, or prayers a specific number of times

Mental rituals:

Silently praying, reviewing events, or counting in your head to neutralize obsessions