OCD
Obsessive fears tend to have themes such as:
- Contamination
- Needing precise order
- Inability to tolerate uncertainty
Examples of obsessive thoughts:
- Fears of being contaminated by germs
- Intense stress and irritability when objects are not in order
- Fears that you didn’t lock the door or didn’t turn off the stove
- Panic that you can’t get off the plane
Compulsive behaviors also tend to have themes such as:
- Strictly following routines
- Counting
- Checking
- Washing / cleaning
Examples of ritualistic compulsions include:
- Checking doors/stove repeatedly
- Counting certain patterns
- Hand-washing until skin is raw and broken open
- Repeating a word or phrase
Treatment Options
Neurofeedback
EEG research in people with OCD has shown an overactive loop between three brain areas – the orbital prefrontal cortex, the caudate nucleus and the cingulate. This over-activity results in heightened automatic thinking, a feeling that “something is wrong”, checking and rechecking behavior, and focusing on the feelings of distress. Neurofeedback training helps to reduce this over-activity while decreasing very high Beta waves.
Counseling
Evidence-based treatment approaches for the treatment of anxiety in its various forms is offered at Bloomington Neurofeedback. Cognitive Behavioral therapy as well as other anxiety-targeted approaches such as Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy is used. Relaxation training and Mindfulness work are also part of therapy.