Cognitive-behavioral therapy shows highly effective results in treating OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects over 2 million individuals in the United States. UF Health offers an outpatient intensive treatment program that is one of several in the state. The UF Health Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Program features cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which has been shown to reduce symptoms by at least 50 percent.

OCD is an illness that affects children, adolescents and adults and is characterized by recurrent and disturbing thoughts, called obsessions, and/or repetitive, ritualized behaviors that the person feels driven to perform, called compulsions.

OCD has a major effect on an individual’s life and often can be difficult to treat successfully; however, it is possible to reduce symptoms with CBT. This comprehensive treatment approach exposes triggers and teaches patients to resist compulsions, with 85 percent of patients experiencing positive results. Cognitive therapy plays a major role in the treatment, teaching patients to respond to anxious thoughts in an adaptive and realistic manner.

The OCD Program at UF Health Medical Psychology offers intensive outpatient and weekly CBT treatment programs with pharmacological treatment coordinated as needed. Over an average of three weeks, patients meet with their designated therapist for about an hour each day. They also receive assignments from their therapist that encourage therapeutic exercises while not in session. The UF Health OCD team continues to care for the patient even after the program ends by collaborating with health care providers and caretakers.

To learn more about the UF Health OCD Program and CBT, or to make an appointment, call or visit us online.

UF Health Medical Psychology – Springhill Health Center
8491 NW 39th Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32606
352.265.4357
https://ufhealth.org/medpsychology