PCH Treatment Center Introduces New OCD Program

LOS ANGELES - Jan. 14, 2014 - PRLog -- Those with moderate to severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have a new treatment option thanks to the debut of an evidence-based intensive approach now offered by PCH Treatment Center in West Los Angeles.  The facility, which uses advanced psychological therapy to treat depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and other conditions, has launched the new program that involves an intensive, individualized approach to OCD treatment.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 3.3 million Americans suffer from OCD.

         OCD is characterized by distressing and intrusive thoughts (obsessions), and/or repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) with sufferers oftentimes preoccupied by an irrational fear of dirt or germs, worries that something harmful may happen to them or engage in repetitive behaviors like making sure the door is locked over and over. Many times they are overly concerned with order and symmetry.

The new program at PCH Treatment Center is tailored to the individual needs of clients and often involves residential or immersive day care.  The foundations of treatment are exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive therapy and medication management when necessary. Psychiatrists are available to evaluate the need for medication, though PCH Treatment Center’s philosophy is to minimize such intervention.

In addition, clients undergo individual and group therapy sessions, neuro-feedback, mentalization, and holistic activities such as mindfulness meditation, aerobic exercise and yoga.   Both residential and outpatient programs are available, depending on the client’s condition and needs.  Family therapy is integrated into treatment through a weekend program and/or individual family therapy sessions.

Licensed psychologist Flavio Marenco, Ph.D., director of the new program, said that OCD sufferers struggle with the disorder for an average of 15 years before seeking treatment.

“We are delighted to launch our new OCD program that is geared towards clients whose symptoms are severe enough to significantly interfere with their everyday living,” said Marenco, who qualified “significant” as losing 1 hour each day dealing with their symptoms. “We hope to reach those with the condition at the early stages as it is easier to treat them then than those at a more advanced stage.”

Marenco says that the onset of OCD generally occurs before the age of 25 with the peak age of 20 and that it develops before age 35 in more than 85% of clients.  Up to 30% of clients experience hoarding as a symptom and it is often accompanied by other psychological conditions like depression and anxiety.

Visit PCHTreatment.com to take a quiz to determine whether you may suffer from OCD.  For an appointment, call (888) 724-0040.