Online therapy for OCD: What You Need to Know
It’s estimated that currently one in forty people suffer from OCD, with that number increasing every year. These days it’s even estimated that one in a hundred kids have OCD. OCD is becoming more widespread than ever before, and most people do not feel that their OCD is improving as much as they would like with medication.
Those who are on prescription medication for OCD have to wait between ten and twelve weeks just to see if their medication will begin to have any positive effect on them. And for those people who also suffer from other mental illnesses and may be taking other prescription drugs must note that anti psychotic medications can actually make their OCD worse!
For those of you who aren’t exactly sure if it’s OCD that you’re dealing with, we’ll quickly cover the basics:
What is OCD?
OCD is short for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which is a mental disorder that involves persistent unwanted and negative thoughts, feelings, and images, which intrude into your mind and will normally cause the person experiencing them a lot of anxiety and torment, which then causes the sufferer to attempt to stop or control these thoughts by constantly engaging in repetitive behaviors (also called rituals).
Learn the Four Types of OCD
OCD is generally broken up into four main categories, with patients suffering from one or more of these common conditions. The four types of OCD generally accepted by most professionals are:
Checking
Checking is when a patient constantly feels the need to make sure that things are turned off, unplugged, doors closed, etc. This will often mean that a person will have to re-check something that they just checked only minutes (or even seconds) ago. Someone suffering from this many have to check the same things over and over again without finding any relief from the feelings that are bothering them and causing the checking behavior.
Washing
Washing and the general fear of (and feelings of) contamination and germs is another common OCD trait. A person dealing with this will constantly feel that they have touch something covered in germs or the like and feel the need to wash and re-wash themselves over and over, often times leading to skin problems from to much washing.
Symmetry
The OCD trait of symmetry causes a person to feel the need for object to be placed and kept in certain (very organized) order. Things must be kept in straight lines, facing certain compass directions and many other rules. When things are not in the proper order it will cause the sufferer to feel the compulsive need to put them back in order or the “right” way.
Thoughts of Accidental Harm
Another common symptom of OCD is when a patients suffers from repetitive thoughts of accidental harm to themselves or others. Some people who suffer from this will have to stop the car that they’re driving every so many feet and get out to check and make sure that they didn’t run anyone over.
What are the Causes of OCD?
While some people think what exactly causes OCD isn’t fully understood, others disagree and claim that certain events in either childhood or early adulthood could be responsible for a person’s OCD.
Professionals have lots of theories on what may cause OCD. Some of the more common ones are a combination of some or all of the following:
Genetic Factors
Neurological / Biological Factors
Environmental Factors
Cognitive-behavioral Factors
It is thought that compulsions are generally learned behaviors, and they can become repetitive if they become associated with relief from the negative feelings and anxiety a person feels. (Source)
Most likely a combination of several of the above factors are the root causes of OCD. This normally means some types of structural, functional and chemical abnormalities in the brain of an OCD patient.
Contrary to some people’s beliefs, parents can’t cause OCD in their kids due to some flaw in their upbringing. You cannot cause OCD in your child by talking to them the wrong way, or incorrectly disciplining them. However, stress could cause a child’s OCD symptoms to worsen in a child who is already predisposed to the condition.
Who Gets OCD?
For the most part, OCD doesn’t discriminate. It is thought that OCD affects men, women, and children alike and this applies to all races of people. OCD seems to be present in the same numbers in people of all backgrounds and ethnicities.
Some recent studies seemed to show that males may generally have an earlier onset of OCD. While it was found that contamination and germ obsessions appear to be much more prevalent in females. (Source)
It also seemed to point to men being more prone to sexual obsessions and hoarding, while women showed more tendency towards having cleaning obsessions.
It is widely accepted that OCD can first appear at any age, although there are 2 specific age ranges that most people seem to report first having OCD symptoms. They are between the ages of eight to twelve years old and from the late teen years to early adulthood.
Symptoms of OCD
As the name implies, OCD consists of two main categories of symptoms: obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. People who suffer with OCD will normally have various combinations of several different types of each. Here are some of the most common symptoms of OCD:
The Most Common Compulsive Behaviors:
Numbers and counting things, ticks, mantras and performing other pointless acts and behaviors as attempts to reduce anxiety (known as performing rituals)
The compulsive double checking of things. Making sure that doors are locked, things are turned off, lights are turned off, etc.
Symmetry and obsessing on things being lined up, in a certain order or are ‘just right’
Hoarding and holding on to old useless junk, fearing that bad things will happen if things are thrown away or moved.
Constantly checking in on family and friends, just to make sure that they are alright
Excessive time being spent washing hands, obsessive cleaning and germ phobia.
Religious fear and constant feelings that they have done something wrong, might be punished and non-stop praying.
The Most Common obsessive thoughts:
The feeling that things have to be perfect, just right or “click” the right way.
Fears of being exposed to germs, viruses or dirt and grime. Also includes the fear of contaminating others and getting sick.
Excessive fear the bad things could happen or that you did something the wrong way.
The fear of losing all control, and possibly harming oneself or others.
The fear of unlucky numbers or things and overly concerned with good or bad luck.
Constant explicit thoughts of violence or sex.
Overly obsessed with religion and every little thing in life being either right or wrong.
Explicit thoughts of hurting other people.
Fears of losing or lacking the basic things you need.
What Makes Your OCD Worse?
Some people seem to go through periods in their life where their OCD seems to get worse or level off and get better. Many people never stop to think long enough about what it is that they’re doing differently that could be affecting their OCD. Below are some of the most common reasons that people’s OCD symptoms get worse.
Stimulants and depressants
Coffee has been known to worsen people’s mood, as well as it’s ability to interfere with sleep. And if you regularly consume coffee on a daily basis, you may have noticed the withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking it. Also, caffeine has been known to cause both fatigue and irritability.
People who suffer from social anxiety and panic disorders tend to be especially sensitive to the affects of coffee and caffeine in their system. Not enough research has been done at the moment to conclude clearly whether or not you should eliminate coffee and caffeine from your regular diet, but it may be worth trying for a short time to see if it helps to alleviate some of your OCD symptoms.
Nicotine
Nicotine is well known to both cause and affect people’s anxiety symptoms, as well as make the worse. Studies have shown that cigarettes directly affect both the brain and mood. Many studies have shown a direct correlation between smoking and patient’s mood and symptoms.
Alcohol
While alcohol may seem to temporarily alleviate the symptoms and feelings of OCD, alcohol is a depressant which can have the opposite effect over time. alcohol has been known in some cases to make OCD worse, and removing from your diet is well worth a try to anyone dealing with OCD.
Can you get over OCD without any treatment?
While anything is possible, anyone with OCD that is considered above a mild level should seriously consider some type of treatment for their OCD. People with anything above mild OCD may see temporary improvements in their symptoms, but they often get worse over time. These days there are more and more options for OCD help online, making treatment available for more people than ever before.
Common Treatments for OCD
The most common treatments for OCD are medications, antidepressants and CBT (or cognitive behavioral therapy). It’s worth noting that medications alone are very rarely known to stop your OCD symptoms. It is widely believed that CBT and talk therapy is the best line of treatment for actually clearing up a patient’s OCD symptoms altogether. Most modern therapy platforms offer OCD treatment online, conducted by experienced therapists.
Is Online Therapy Better than Face to Face Therapy?
While many people go into traditional face to face therapy for their OCD, online ocd therapy is quickly becoming known for being every bit as effective, while being much more affordable as well as all around more convenient for most people.
Here are a few of the distinct advantages of online counseling for OCD:
Therapists are available at any time.
Unlike traditional counseling, where you’ll need to schedule a meeting with your therapist well ahead of time, online therapy is far more flexible. Online OCD therapy allows you to talk to a real, licensed therapist at any time.
With traditional counseling you’re only allotted your typical one hour per week appointment, but with online counseling you can book additional sessions in the same week, and ask your therapists questions anytime you need — and that often means 24 hours a day.
Your Therapists are Licensed Professionals
Similar to traditional therapy, your therapists are always real, licensed professionals. You’ll be getting the same level of professional therapy, from the comfort of your home.
Online Therapy is Less Expensive
With the current price tag of traditional counseling rising and rising, online counseling has been growing in popularity. A visit to an in person therapist will usually costs between $70 — $ 125, with some charging upwards of a couple hundred dollars per session.
Online treatment is much easier on your wallet, as the majority of online therapy platforms tend to only charge a fraction of what in person therapists charge, yet you’re still receiving treatment from a licensed professional.
Online Treatment is Available when it’s Convenient for You
With online counseling there’s no need to schedule a session with your therapist months ahead of time, online treatment works with your schedule. You don’t have to meet with a therapist during the working day hours, nor do you need to rush to get there on time.
Online therapy sessions can be on the weekend, at night or whenever fits with your personal schedule. Online counseling also allows you to quickly and easily confirm or schedule your meetings on a moments notice.
You get Professional Treatment — Right from Home
When you’re enrolled in online therapy, you won’t have to shower, get dressed, jump in your car and fight with traffic just to get to your appointment on time. Online counseling allows you to get treatment from home, without all the hassle.
Online Counseling is Private
Not only is online treatment confidential, it’s nearly anonymous in nature. You still receive treatment from a licensed professional who knows your personal story and keeps track of your progress — but they never need to see you face to face if you prefer.
Each of the online counseling platforms are different, but many of them allow your therapist to have only the facts that they need to help you, they don’t need to see your face. This has also shown to be more effective for many people, as they feel more comfortable really opening up with their therapist.
If for some reason you decide that you don’t like your therapist, you can easily an anonymously switch to a new therapist with no awkwardness. Besides, you’ll never bump into your therapist around town, as they could be located several states away from you.
OCD & Online Therapy — Where Should You Start?
As online therapy is getting more and more popular, there are more online platforms than ever before. So where should you turn for OCD help online? Below we’ll go over the platforms which we find are the most respected, professional and well known.
For anyone who’s serious about trying online therapy, Calmerry is one of the best platforms the industry today. They feature on demand video counseling with your therapist, as well as unlimited messaging — 24 hours a day.
Calmerry has a robust and easy to use interface that matches you up with a therapist that’s right for you. If at any time you don’t like your therapist you can quickly and anonymously request a new one for free.
They have many highly respected, licensed therapists who specialize in OCD, as well as many other mental disorders.
In fact, 88% of their clients found Calmerry to be as effective or more effective than traditional therapy- while 95% of them found it to be way more convenient than face to face therapy.
They’ve generously offered to give all of my readers 30% off of your first month if you sign up through this link.
One of the leading online counseling platforms, Online Therapy allows users to conference, live chat and message their own licensed professional therapist on their schedule. They offer live 1 on 1 sessions weekly, with unlimited messaging to help you with any issues or question you may have in between sessions. They’ve generously offered a discount of 20% Off your first month of therapy for my readers if you set up a free account through this link.
Another leader in online treatment, Talkspace boasts a simple user interface, lots of satisfied clients and competitive prices. Talkspace recently announced that they’ve treated over a million people worldwide. Anyone looking for professional treatment for their OCD should really consider giving them a try.
Betterhelp
Another growing brand in the online counseling space, Betterhelp is a solid treatment platform. Betterhelp offers a very professional, and straight ahead user experience but also costs a little more than it’s two above listed competitors.
A few of the pros of Betterhelp’s system are that their custom software will match you up with the best therapist suited for your individual needs. After completing a short question and answer process, their algorithm will match you with the most relevant therapist for you.
From what I gathered online, most of their clients seem to be pleased with the therapists that they were matched up with, and Betterhelp’s platform makes it easy to switch to a new therapist if you want.
Their treatment consists of live chat software, phone calls and video chat sessions. Plus, all of their online treatment plans include unlimited chatting with your therapist at no extra charge.
They require that all of their therapists hold at minimum a Doctorate or Master’s degree as well as over 2,000 hours of professional experience. They must also have practiced counseling in their state of residence for at least 3 years. Their licensed professional therapists are made up of social workers, psychologists family counselors, among others — all of which must be state licensed and certified.
With so many choices for professional online therapy platforms, it might benefit some people to try out more than one and see what works best for them. So whether you choose Calmerry, Online Therapy, Betterhelp Talkspace, or some other online counseling platform, remember that it takes time for any therapy program to be effective with OCD.
Online therapy will improve your OCD if you stick with it, it’s not an overnight cure. A little patience is required, but well worth it in the long run. I wish you all good luck and all the best with your treatment.
