obsessive compulsive disorder therapy bergen county NJ

OCD Rumination vs. Problem Solving: Help Quiet Your Mind

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

OCD Rumination vs. Problem Solving:  Help Quiet Your Mind

By: Katerina Kostadimas

What is Rumination?

Rumination is a common symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It refers to the repetitive, excessive, and intrusive thoughts about a specific issue, question, or event. These thoughts can often feel uncomfortable and can involve:

–Overanalyzing past actions or decisions.

–Trying to “solve” unanswerable questions (e.g. moral, existential, or religious dilemmas).

–Seeking certainty about a fear or doubt related to an obsession.

Unlike productive problem-solving, rumination is circular and unhelpful- it doesn’t lead to resolution but instead amplifies distress and reinforces the OCD cycle.

Why do we ruminate?

Rumination is a compulsive response to reduce anxiety or gain assurance about intrusive thoughts or fears. Some reasons include:

  • Seeking Control: This is an attempt to rationalize or figure out answers to uncertain or distressing thoughts.
  • Fear of consequences: People ruminate to ensure they aren’t missing something important or to avoid perceived risks.
  • Perfectionism: A desire to think things through “perfectly” before making a decision or taking action.

However, rumination often worsens anxiety instead of resolving it, making you feel trapped in a cycle of obsession and compulsion.

What to do if you start ruminating?

  1. Recognize and Label the Rumination

– Acknowledge when you’re ruminating and remind yourself, “this is rumination, not helpful problem-solving.”

2. Avoid Trying to “Solve” the Thought

-Accept that there is an unknown problem and make a conscious effort to not engage in these types of thoughts.

3. Shift Your Focus to the Present

–Engage in grounding techniques (e.g. mindfulness or sensory awareness).

–Focus on your current environment rather than the thought.

4. Engage in an Activity

-Distract yourself with meaningful or enjoyable activities that redirect your attention and energy.

5. Seek Professional Help

–A trained and licensed mental health professional can provide tools to break the rumination cycle and address underlying OCD patterns.

If you or someone you know is struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and symptoms such as rumination, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) – 368-3700 or (212)-722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

References:

Lcpc, D. S., & Staff, O. (2023, August 15). Rumination. The OCD & Anxiety Center. https://theocdandanxietycenter.com/rumination/

Deep Brain Stimulation and Electroconvulsive Therapy: What are they?

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Deep Brain Stimulation and Electroconvulsive Therapy: What are they?

By Emily Ferrer

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a brain surgery involving the implantation of electrodes in certain areas of the brain to treat different movement disorders such as OCD, dystonia, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy as well as other disorders such as depression and drug addiction[1]. These electrodes produce electrical impulses to regulate certain brain functions[2] and are controlled by a pacemaker-like device. This pacemaker is placed in your chest with a wire that runs from the pacemaker to the electrodes that were inserted into your brain[3]. The parts of the brain that the electrodes are inserted into are specific to the patient and their specific symptoms. For example, for a patient who suffers from severe OCD the electrodes would be placed in an area of the brain called the ventral capsule/ventral striatum, which has been found to be very effective for patients suffering from treatment resistant OCD at about a 61.5% positive response rate[4].

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment usually preformed on patients who suffer from severe clinical depression and are treatment resistant to other options to help their condition[5]. The treatment involves small electric currents being passed externally through the patient’s skull between the voltage ranges of 180 to 460 volts. While there is still much controversy and incorrectly portrayed media about this procedure, it is significantly safer today than it was almost 100 years ago. The patient is put under general anesthesia at a hospital during the entire treatment and wakes up after not feeling anything from the procedure. The only thing patients feel after the completion of the treatment is an increase in positive mood. A study done in 2007 revealed that out of the patients who did and did not receive ECT for their treatment resistant depression, 71% of the participants in the experimental group, that received ECT,  found they had a positive response. This is significant when compared to the control group, who did not receive ECT, where only 28% of the participants found they had a positive response to just antidepressant medication[6].  ECT has gained a lot of popularity recently because of how quickly and effectively you feel the effects after a few treatments. The positive effects increase even more quickly when combined with psychotherapy in between the ECT treatments.

If you or someone you know is experiencing OCD or major depressive disorder and are interesting in pursuing these treatments, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

Sources:

[1] https://atm.amegroups.com/article/view/16268/html

[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/deep-brain-stimulation/about/pac-20384562

[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/deep-brain-stimulation/about/pac-20384562

[4] https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/expert-opinion-dbs/#:~:text=Another%20important%20development%20for%20treatment,targeted%20areas%20of%20the%20brain.

[5] https://www.webmd.com/depression/electroconvulsive-therapy

[6] https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1997.tb09926.x

Perfectionism: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

GalleryJudy Gurfein 2 Comments

    Perfectionism: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
    By: Isabelle Siegel

    Oftentimes when people say “I’m so OCD,” what they really mean is “I’m a perfectionist.” Perfectionism is a trait characterized by a rigid need to be perfect: that is, without flaws. Although perfectionism is often thought of as being a positive trait, it can be maladaptive in many ways. Perfectionists tend to have unrealistically high standards, to take longer to complete tasks, to struggle with collaboration, and to place immense pressure on themselves. When perfectionism is extreme, it may meet criteria for Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD).

    OCPD, not to be confused with OCD, is a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of inflexibility and a fixation with perfection. This fixation can interfere with one’s ability to complete tasks, one’s interpersonal relationships, and other aspects of one’s life. People with OCPD attempt to control life using details, rules, lists, order, organization, and/or schedules. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, OCPD is diagnosed when an individual demonstrates:

    • a fixation with details, rules, lists, order, organization, or schedules
    • perfectionism that interferes with task completion
    • overemphasis on work and productivity, leaving no time for leisure or relaxation
    • a fixation with morality and ethical responsibility
    • hoarding of objects and/or money
    • an inability to delegate tasks to others
    • an overall rigidity and/or stubbornness

    Like other psychological disorders, OCPD can be treated with therapy and medication. Therapies for OCPD emphasize identifying and modifying maladaptive behavioral patterns, as well as targeting triggers (such as stress) for overly perfectionistic behavior.

    If you or a loved one demonstrates symptoms of OCPD, the licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy can assist you. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

    Sources:
    https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/perfectionism
    https://www.ocduk.org/related-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder/clinical-classification-of-obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder/

    Image Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Signs_of_OCPD_1.png

    OCD: Perinatal/Maternal Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

    GalleryJudy Gurfein 1 Comment

      Perinatal/Maternal Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

      By: Isabelle Siegel

      Conversations about postpartum depression have recently become commonplace, leading many people to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of this condition. As a result, new mothers are much quicker to recognize and label their struggles and to seek help. However, the same attention has not been paid to a similar condition: Perinatal or Maternal Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

      What is Perinatal/Maternal OCD?

      Perinatal/Maternal OCD is essentially OCD with onset during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. In general, OCD involves the presence of obsessions (“unwelcome thoughts, images, urges, worries or doubts that repeatedly appear in your mind”) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or thought patterns performed to relieve anxiety caused by the obsessions).

      Expecting and new mothers with Perinatal/Maternal OCD commonly experience obsessive thoughts about their infant’s safety, including intrusive thoughts about:

      • Unintentionally harming the infant
      • Sexually abusing the infant
      • Contaminating the infant
      • Making wrong or harmful parenting decisions

      They may then engage in compulsive behaviors or thought patterns in order to relieve the resulting anxiety, including:

      • Repetitively calling the doctor or other health professionals
      • Repetitively checking on the infant
      • Total avoidance of the infant
      • Excessive washing of anything with which the infant might come in contact

      Treatments for Perinatal OCD

      Mothers experiencing Perinatal/Maternal OCD are not hopeless. As with other forms of OCD, Perinatal/Maternal OCD can be addressed with therapy and/or medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and, more specifically, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can be used to target obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

      If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Perinatal or Maternal OCD, the licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy can assist you. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

      Sources:

      https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/perinatal-ocd/

      https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/perinatal-ocd-what-research-says-about-diagnosis-and-treatment/

      About Perinatal OCD

      Image Source: https://www.mothersclub.sg/mum-confessions-1/

      The Less Talked-About Side of OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

      GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

      By: Isabelle Siegel

      When thinking about OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), most people instinctively think of those who care about cleanliness and tidiness. In fact, it is not uncommon to use the phrase “I’m so OCD” to imply that one agonizes over neatness and order. This perception of OCD is not without reason, as many people with OCD do obsess over germs, contamination, and order and engage in excessive hand washing, cleaning, and ordering.

      However, it is important to note that this is not the reality for many other sufferers of OCD. OCD is a wide-ranging disorder involving the presence of obsessions—“repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety”—and compulsions—repetitive behaviors performed to relieve the anxiety. These obsessions can take nearly any form, with contamination and order being only two of them. Some other common obsessions include thoughts about: losing control or going insane, harming oneself or others, unwanted sexual ideas or images, and/or religion. For example, it is well-documented that people with OCD may experience intrusive thoughts about homosexuality, pedophilia, violence and aggression, and/or suicide.

      Many people with these less talked-about OCD “themes” take longer to realize that they have OCD because their symptoms are not in line with the stereotypical hand washing and tidying. These individuals often engage in different compulsive behaviors to alleviate anxiety. These behaviors may include mental compulsions such as repeated checking and rumination (that is, repetitively reviewing and evaluating one’s thoughts and their meanings). For example, the individual who obsesses about violence and aggression may repeatedly check that he/she has not unintentionally harmed those around him/her.

      It is ultimately important to acknowledge this less talked-about side of OCD in order to encourage sufferers to acknowledge their symptoms and to guide them to get the treatment and help that they need. 

      If you or a loved one appears to be suffering from OCD, the licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy can assist you. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

      Sources:
      https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml
      https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/
      https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/overcoming-self-sabotage/201002/rumination-problem-solving-gone-wrong
      Image Source:
      https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/obssessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd.htm

      Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

      GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

      OCD: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

      By: Cassie Sieradzky

      Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder where the individual has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that they feel unable to control. Obsessive-compulsive disorder can affect adults, adolescents, and children. Most people are diagnosed around age 19, typically with an earlier age of onset in boys than in girls. Risk factors for developing OCD include close relatives with this disorder as well as exposure to abuse/trauma in childhood. People diagnosed with OCD may have symptoms of obsessions, compulsions, or both. This can be disruptive to all facets of life, such as work, school, and personal relationships.

      Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety. Examples of obsessions include fear of germs or contamination, unwanted taboo thoughts involving sex/ religion/ harm, aggressive thoughts towards others or self, and a need to have things in a perfect order.

      Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person with OCD feels the urge to do in response to an obsessive thought, typically to ease the anxiety. Compulsions include excessive cleaning and/or handwashing, arranging things in a very particular way, repeatedly checking on things (checking to see if the door is locked or that the oven is off), and compulsive counting.

      OCD is typically treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two.

      If you or a loved one appears to be suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder, licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy can assist you. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

      Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2018, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml