OCD Center of Los Angeles

Serving the community since 1999

In-Person and Online Therapy
Individual & Group Therapy

Tiger Woods, Sex Addiction, and OCD

    

This is the first of a two-part series that discusses the differences between sex addiction and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Lately, sex addiction has become a hot topic in the news.  Certainly, the biggest factor in this explosion of interest has been the revelation that Tiger Woods has had a seemingly infinite number of extra-marital affairs, and subsequent reports that he is undergoing treatment for sex addiction.

Is Sex Addiction OCD?

Every so often, the OCD Center of Los Angeles receives a call from a prospective client looking for treatment for sex addiction.  These individuals (or their spouses) call us because they believe, or more frequently, have been told by previous therapists, that their sexual behavior is evidence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  And invariably, they are surprised and confused when I inform them that sex addiction has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with OCD.

In fact, the two conditions are radically different.  Yes, both conditions include obsessional thoughts and compulsive behaviors.  But people exhibit obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors in a whole host of conditions that are not OCD, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Pathological Gambling, Compulsive Shoplifting, Trichotillomania, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

So the question arises: what distinguishes sex addiction from OCD?  In a word…pleasure.

Very simply put, individuals who are addicted to sex get pleasure from their behavior.  Conversely, those with OCD get not a scintilla of pleasure from doing their compulsions.  In fact, in fifteen years of treating clients with OCD, I have never once had a client report getting anything resembling pleasure in the course of doing a compulsion.

To better understand how OCD operates, it is helpful to understand the concept of the Obsessive-Compulsive Cycle.  For the person with OCD, obsessions are specific, repetitive thoughts that are experienced as unwanted and extremely anxiety-provoking.  And like all humans, people with OCD don’t like the feeling of anxiety.  As such, those with OCD develop strategies do eliminate or reduce that anxiety.  The compulsive and avoidant behaviors seen in OCD are done with the sole purpose of reducing or eliminating the immediate anxiety caused by these very specific thoughts.  And the compulsions are often done repeatedly and in a ritualized fashion, sometimes for hours, until the individual feels some relief from the anxiety caused by these specific thoughts.  This Obsessive-Compulsive Cycle is consistent and stable in all cases of OCD that I have ever seen.

Now let’s compare that to sex addiction.  Are the obsessive sexual thoughts experienced by a sex addict prior to sexual activity unwanted and anxiety-provoking?  I would argue just the opposite.  It seems to me that the thoughts experienced by sex addicts are arousing and pleasurable.  Some might argue that sex addicts experience various conflicting emotions prior to acting compulsively, including anxiety.  But it seems self-evident that the primary feeling is one of sexual arousal.  The thoughts the sex addict experiences after the fact may be distressing, but prior to that sexual activity, the thought of having sex is primarily experienced as pleasurable and desirable.

Conversely, those with OCD never feel any pleasure related to an obsession.  Not for one second.  Their obsessions are experienced as the worst kind of mental torture.  In fact, on more than one occasion, I have had clients with OCD tell me that would gladly give up a limb if doing so would allow them to be free of their obsessions.

Likewise, the compulsive behavior done by a sex addict, whether it is sex with another person or masturbation, undeniably provides the individual with pleasure.  The individual with OCD gets no pleasure whatsoever from doing compulsions.  The person with OCD gets only a temporary reduction in anxiety related to the very specific fear about which they were obsessing.

Treatment for OCD vs. Treatment for Sex Addiction

Finally, it is also worth noting that if sex addiction is OCD, then by extension, it should respond to the same treatment as OCD.  Multiple controlled research studies have consistently found that the most effective treatment for OCD is a very specific type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).  This therapy requires that the client purposely expose themselves to the very object or situation that generates their anxiety.  For example, if one obsesses about contamination, this might mean purposely having repeated contact with specific items that one perceives as “contaminated”.

Applying this principle to sex addiction would suggest that the best treatment would be for the sex addict to purposely and repeatedly watch porn, spend private, non-sexual time with prostitutes, etc.  This is not just unlikely to be a successful intervention – it is very likely to have the exact opposite of the intended effect.  Simply put, asking a sex addict to purposely be around sexual triggers is like asking a heroin addict to purposely be around heroin.

So, if sex addiction is experientially different than all other types of OCD, and it doesn’t respond to the same treatment that is known to consistently be the most effective treatment for OCD, it stands to reason that it isn’t OCD.

Next week, we will continue our discussion by answering the question: “If sex addiction isn’t OCD, then what is it.”

•Tom Corboy, MFT, is the director of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, a private, outpatient clinic specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related conditions. In addition to individual therapy, the center offers six weekly therapy groups, as well as online therapy, telephone therapy, and intensive outpatient treatment.  To contact the OCD Center of Los Angeles, click here.

18 Comments

  • I do like the very simple explanation of the difference between the two: pleasure. I think that would be very helpful and easy for clients to understand.

    Reply
    • Katherine,

      Thank you for your comment on our article.

      I think people sometimes fail to see this fundamental difference – when doing compulsions, people with OCD are motivated by the desire to eliminate anxiety experienced in relation to very specific, very distressing thoughts. I believe that this is not the case for behavioral addictions, which all have a component of gratification / pleasure. Addiction is obviously complex, but the existence of gratification undeniably applies to addictions to gambling, sex, food, etc. Likewise, our clients with Trichotillomania and Dermatillomania almost always acknowledge getting gratification / pleasure from the process.

      Reply
  • I would would like to hear more concerning sex addiction that I would reason ti what you are saying sounds more valid then a sex addiction being OCD that does not bring pleasure.

    Reply
    • Sileh,

      Thank you for your comment. We will be posting the second part of this series on sex addiction within the next week. It will provide a in-depth discussion of diagnostic issues related to sex addiction

      Reply
  • Very articulate, succinct, and well-though-out article. My practice focuses on clients with sex addiction at The Center for Counseling & Recovery, and you’re right in that the big difference is ‘pleasure.’ Without contradicting that idea, I also notice that many addicts (sex addicts or otherwise) display many obsessive-compulsive traits which do not constitute full-blown OCD or OCPD. For the sex addict who compulsively masturbates until raw or injured, there’s clearly no pleasure in it–that includes an OC component.

    There’s clearly cross-over between OCD and sex addiction, but they’re not the same thing. I look forward to next week’s article!

    Reply
    • Kevin,

      Thank you for your comments.

      I agree that there is a lot of overlap between OCD and compulsive sexuality. And we have treated clients who clearly have both conditions.

      I would actually disagree with the idea that compulsively masturbating until raw is necessarily devoid of pleasure. I would think that there is still pleasure in the act (and in the orgasm), though it is obviously mixed with other emotions / sensations.

      I think the issue really gets down to a question of motivation – is a person doing a behavior to eliminate anxiety related to a specific thought (which is OCD), or are they doing a behavior to get some sense of gratification (perhaps this is a better word than “pleasure” in this case, and is clearly not OCD).

      I think another major difference is that those with OCD do not generally do compulsions in an attempt to deaden broad feelings of low-self worth, ennui, etc., although there are certainly situations in which those with OCD use compulsions to cope with emotionally overwhelming situations.

      Our follow-up article will be published this week.

      Reply
  • I don’t know if my problem is hocd or sex/fantasy addiction, or just addicted to the thought of being with a woman as it would be easier thn being with my husband (real life). But I love him deply and don’t want to be gay. I would rather be dead, but I can’t seem to relinquish the thought. I think I am going crazy. I feel very trapped. I was always attracted to men. Always. I am terrified and very very sad.

    Reply
    • Hi Anna,

      Thank you for commenting.

      While I cannot provide a diagnosis via a blog comment, the symptoms you describe sound very much like HOCD. You note that you are terrified of these thoughts, that you “feel trapped” by them, that you don’t want to be gay, that you have always been attracted to men, and that you “would rather be dead” than be a lesbian. This all sounds like HOCD to me.

      I’m not sure why it would be “easier” to be with a woman than to be with your husband who you profess to love deeply. I am guessing there may be more to this story than merely fantasizing about being with women (which by the way, would not necessarily mean that you are a lesbian).

      The main issue here is likely that you are trying to “relinquish the thought”, which is a mental compulsion that will only serve to make your obsession worse. I encourage you to read our four-part series on HOCD. I also encourage you to consider an alternative approach to your unwanted gay thoughts, namely to accept their existence, just as you would accept any other thought in your mind that is less than ideal, but hardly catastrophic. That doesn’t mean accepting that you are lesbian – it means accepting that you have this unexpected and unwanted thought that is popping into your head. The presence of the thought doesn’t mean you a lesbian or an addict, it means you have HOCD.

      Reply
  • Well, I have OCD and Sex Addiction too. I was diagnosed with OCD when I was 19 and in college. And when I was doing a doctoral program in human sexuality I realized I was a sex addict. Many people in the sex therapy world, especially the “sex positive” types don’t believe in sex addiction and say that it is actually a form of OCD. However, my OCD therapist agrees with you in regard to this component of pleasure and how OCD is simply not pleasurable. My standard OCD symptoms are fear of causing harm, checking, symmetry, and obsessional thoughts. Well, my OCD therapist and I have had some talks about “need to know” and “just so” obsessions and compulsions related to my sex addiction, and I believe that my sex addiction did relate to both the “need to know” and “just so” (among other things). “Just so” would come out in the need to feel like I got the “right kind” of orgasm, and I couldn’t stop until it felt “just right”. And yes, sometimes I would have sex until injury because I wanted to feel “just so.” Meanwhile “need to know” came out in my promiscuity and in my sexual orientation as well. I would think, “well maybe I should try having sex with this race or this gender, or this transgender so that I can find out who I really am sexually.”

    I would like to know your thoughts on these things! Let me know.

    Reply
    • Bianca,

      While OCD and sex addiction are not the same thing, it is quite feasible for an individual to have more than one condition. For example, we have treated numerous people with OCD who also have had eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, and/or depression.

      While I cannot provide a diagnosis via this blog, the symptoms you report suggest that you have both OCD and a sexual addiction. As I noted in the article, there are certain similarities between these conditions, and it seems reasonable that your symptoms would at times overlap. It also seems likely that if you successfully treated either of these conditions, you would still have to contend with the other.

      I encourage you to work on both conditions with a therapist who has a solid track record in treating both. If such an individual is not available, you would do best to consider finding two specialists – one for each condition. While this may sound like too much therapy, it would be the appropriate course of action. If you had both a broken leg and diabetes, I would likewise encourage you to seek out a specialist for each condition.

      Reply
  • i think I am involved in some kind of sex addiction, because i am an heterosexual man but sometimes i fantasize about wearing like a woman and having sex with a men and this type of things. When i have this thought, it may happen that i masturbate to the thoughts, so it’s not just a thought. What recalls an OCD is the fact that the thought of the transvestic behavior can be called an intrusive thought, since when it comes it creates a certain anxiety or distress, and I begin to question my sexuality. When the thought goes away then I think to myself again as a man, an heterosexual man, and if I masturbate with the thoughts i am ashamed about this.

    Reply
    • Hi Richard,

      There is no way that I can discern via a blog comment if you are struggling with sex addiction, or OCD, or whatever. What I can say is that it is not at all unusual for people to masturbate to sexual fantasies, some (many?) of which they would not actually choose to act out in real life. Unless your masturbation to these thoughts is negatively impacting your life, I would not be too concerned.

      Also, you note that you believe your fantasies are not just thoughts because you masturbate to them. Sorry, but I disagree. They are still just thoughts. Your thoughts don’t become special or different just because you masturbate to them. They are still just thoughts.

      All that being said, if you feel your masturbation is an addiction, then I encourage you to seek out an evaluation by a therapist who specializes in treating sexual compulsivity.

      Reply
  • I have OCD and have been also struggling with intimacy with my husband. I feel if it is not satisfieing than I don’t want to do it at all. I feel he doesn’t touch me the right way. Like he doesn’t try. When I give up and have sex with him he finishes successfully. And I don’t get mine. This happens over and over. I actually don’t think I ever actually organismed. I’m always daydreaming and fantasizing on enjoying others in sexual ways. Only to come home and not get anything. So I’m dieing here. I’ve had several offers to suposably fulfill my needs outside of marriage. But I just can’t.. or haven’t yet. I don’t want to harm my marriage but I deeply need to fill that part of me sexualy. I’ve asked my husband to please show me more slow and passionate kisses and touching. So I feel special And wanted. He turns it around and blames me. I don’t know if I hate him for that. Or just plain hate him for lasting 14 years of married and I still feal screwed on sex. Am I addicted to sex or do I just have a screwed up situation. ?

    Reply
    • Hi Deb,

      There is absolutely nothing in your comment to suggest that you are a sex addict. On the other hand, everything in your comment suggests that, as you put it, you are in “a screwed up situation”. I strongly encourage you to get in to couples counseling with your husband.

      Reply
  • I struggle with understanding my condition. I consider myself in recovery from sex addiction related to pornography, masturbation, an fantasy thoughts. However, I also believe I have pure O ocd. I experience intrusive sexual thoughts and images about women, children, and animals. I also ruminate on all the bad things I have done or thought and worry I am an evil person. I also spend time seeking reassurance online, or feeling the need to confess. I struggle with doubt about if I have sex addiction, ocd, or both. I worry that a therapist will not understand and treat things in an unhelpful way.

    Reply
    • Jeff,

      Just as one can have two (or more) medical conditions simultaneously, one can also have multiple psychological conditions at the same time. It is not particularly unusual for people with OCD to also struggle with other conditions, including sex addiction. Any good therapist who specializes in either of these conditions will be understanding and should be able to help you.

      Reply
  • i think my worst problems started because on my childhood i have been sex assaulted with more than one person,as a child i didnt know what to do,eventually it became pleasure.i think that what made my ocd..these things made anxiety on me and i have do things again again.fearing god i know doing things repeatedly cant change my sin,but i cant able to stop,when i am getting older those creepy minds completely taken me,on my age of 15-16 i had sex with childrens like i wanted to touch there private parts and show mine.i didnt think that it made their life bad too,and on my age of 16 i had sex with a lady. that change my life that i realized how bad i became.from that moment i tried had to control myself.but it was too late.its been 6 or more years i havent feel happy,i loved to be a normal boy but i cant and thought of those childrens made me worried,and i didnt know what would i do,if they say those thinks.i have tried to suicide but my family problems made me back.these thoughts even made my ocd symptoms more worst.icant do a single thing without a touch of ocd.dont know a doctor can help me?i often watch porn and masturbate thinking that can help me.can a doctor able to help me ?

    Reply
    • Navas,

      Watching porn and masturbating is no cure for feeling guilty about past behaviors. I encourage you to discuss your concerns with a local therapist.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Note: Comments are limited to a maximum of 750 characters. Your email address will not be published.

Recent Articles

  • Seeking a Spiritual Escape: Spiritual Bypass and Scrupulosity OCD
    Brandi Roberts, MS, AMFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, shares her personal experience and recovery from religious scrupulosity OCD and spiritual bypassing, as well as discusses the dynamics and treatment of this common OCD subtype. […]
    1 Comment
  • What Is Contamination OCD? There’s More to It Than Meets the Eye…
    Mikayla Rodin, MA, AMFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, discusses a subtype of OCD called Contamination OCD, as well as sharing what the symptoms and treatment may look like for someone experiencing this condition.  […]
    1 Comment
  • Navigating Postpartum OCD: Making Space for Scary Thoughts
    Erica Russell, LMFT, LPCC, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles discusses the symptoms and treatment of Postpartum OCD and reflects on her own personal experience with the postpartum anxiety journey as she returns from maternity leave. […]
    2 Comments
  • Connecting Vasovagal Syncope to Anxiety Reactions
    Mikayla Rodin, MA, AMFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles discusses the connection between VasoVagal Syncope and Anxiety, as well as sharing what the symptoms and treatment may look like for someone with this condition. […]
    1 Comment
  • The Invisible DisorderOCD: The Invisible Disorder
    Daniel Safavi, MA, AMFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, discusses the sometimes sensitive and extremely powerful use of disclosure of one's OCD, as well as some helpful guidelines when determining to self-disclose. […]
    6 Comments
  • Relationship OCD: Accepting the Unknown in RelationshipsRelationship OCD: Accepting the Unknown in Relationships
    Brandi Roberts MS, AMFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, shares her personal experience and recovery from relationship OCD (ROCD), as well as discusses the dynamics and treatment of this very common OCD subtype. […]
    13 Comments
  • Go Big or Go Home: The Difference Between OCD and GADGo Big or Go Home: The Difference Between OCD and GAD (and My Experience with Both)
    Kristen Taylor-Ladd, MA, AMFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, discusses the differences between, and often co-occurring, afflictions of OCD and GAD, as well as shares her personal experience with and way to recovery from both of these conditions. […]
    8 Comments
  • Exposure and Response Prevention via TeletherapyExposure and Response Prevention: Is It Effective Via Telehealth?
    Chanel Taghdis, LMFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, discusses the efficacy of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and related conditions when conducted via teletherapy. […]
    No Comments
  • Response Prevention for OCD and Anxiety-300Mindfulness-Based Response Prevention for OCD and Anxiety
    Chris Cincotta, LMFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, discusses how to implement an effective mindfulness-based response prevention approach for the treatment of OCD and anxiety, and how to prevent mindfulness from becoming just another compulsion. […]
    14 Comments
  • OCD Center of Los Angeles - 2021 Online OCD Conference2021 Online OCD Conference
    Kelley Franke, Lauren McMeikan Rosen, Elena Fasan, and Mary Sponaugle of the OCD Center of Los Angeles will be giving three presentations at the Online OCD Conference being held October 8-10, 2021. […]
    No Comments
  • Trichotillomania: My Journey to Treatment and RecoveryTrichotillomania: My Journey to Treatment and Recovery
    Trichotillomania is a condition in which sufferers repeatedly pull out their hair. Chanel Taghdis, MA, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles discusses her personal experience with, and recovery from, Trichotillomania, and how she treats clients struggling with this condition. […]
    22 Comments
  • Skills for managing COVID-19 and OCDHow Learning to Live with COVID-19 Can Help Kids Manage OCD
    Parents can teach kids skills to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic that have the added benefit of helping them cope more effectively with OCD. […]
    No Comments
  • When OCD Comes Between Us: Relationship OCD and RecoveryWhen OCD Comes Between Us: Relationship OCD and Recovery
    Laura Yocum, Lauren McMeikan, and Kelley Franke of the OCD Center of Los Angeles discuss Relationship OCD (ROCD) at the Online OCD Conference on August 2, 2020. […]
    No Comments
  • Online therapy for OCD and anxietyQ&A: Online Therapy for OCD, Anxiety and Related Conditions
    An interview with Tom Corboy, MFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, about the use of online therapy for the treatment of OCD and related conditions. […]
    12 Comments
  • Making Peace with Uncertainty: Living in the Midst of a PandemicMaking Peace with Uncertainty: Living in the Midst of a Pandemic
    When it comes to uncertainty and anxiety related to COVID-19, most of us don’t want to feel it. But resistance just makes things worse. […]
    23 Comments
  • Debra Dalton Stein, MFT ~ OCD Center of Los AngelesMy Journey to Becoming an OCD Specialist
    Debra Dalton Stein, MFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles describes her journey as a psychotherapist from working primarily with eating disorders, to becoming an OCD specialist. […]
    10 Comments
  • OCD vs. GADOCD vs. GAD and How to Tell the Difference
    OCD is often misdiagnosed as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The OCD Center of L.A. reviews diagnostic & treatment differences between these conditions. […]
    28 Comments
  • Pure OPure O 101
    People with Pure Obsessional OCD ("Pure O") often feel overwhelmed by intrusive, distressing thoughts. Tom Corboy, MFT of the OCD Center of Los Angeles discusses Pure O and its many permutations. […]
    86 Comments
  • Excoriation (Skin Picking) Disorder, aka DermatillomaniaExcoriation (Skin Picking) Disorder, aka Dermatillomania
    Excoriation (Skin Picking) Disorder is an obsessive-compulsive spectrum condition in which sufferers repeatedly pick at their skin. Crystal Quater, MMFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles discusses her personal experience with, and recovery from, Excoriation Disorder, and how she treats clients struggling with this condition. […]
    78 Comments
  • OCD is Fake News: The brain is a machine for jumping to conclusionsOCD is Fake News
    OCD obsessions are just fake news that your brain makes up. From the OCD Center of Los Angeles. Helping clients in California and around the world since 1999. […]
    65 Comments
  • HOCD - 30 Things You Need To KnowHOCD: 30 Things You Need To Know
    HOCD is a type of OCD in which the individual obsesses about their sexual orientation. Here are 30 things you should know about HOCD. From the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    516 Comments
  • Doubt, Denial, and OCDDoubt, Denial and OCD
    A discussion of "The Denial Obsession" in OCD, in which sufferers obsess that they don't really have OCD, but are merely "in denial". By Lauren McMeikan, MA, and Tom Corboy, MFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    166 Comments
  • Dermatillomania: A Skin Picker's Guide to the DermatologistDermatillomania: A Skin Picker’s Guide to the Dermatologist
    How one woman with Dermatillomania finally opened up to her dermatologist about her longtime struggle with skin picking. […]
    44 Comments
  • Imaginal Exposure for OCD and Anxiety - OCD Center of Los AngelesImaginal Exposure for OCD and Anxiety
    Imaginal exposure for the treatment of OCD and anxiety is discussed by Tom Corboy, MFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    234 Comments
  • ROCD - Relationship OCDROCD: Relationship OCD and The Myth of “The One”
    ROCD (Relationship OCD) is an often misunderstood variant of OCD. From the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    696 Comments
  • Moral Scrupulosity in OCDMoral Scrupulosity in OCD: Cognitive Distortions
    A review of cognitive distortions seen in Moral Scrupulosity OCD, and a discussion of how to effectively challenge them. From the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    68 Comments
  • OCD in the Family
    One mom's story of her son's battle with OCD and its profound impact on their family, as told to Elizabeth Kassel, MSW, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    5 Comments
  • Scrupulosity in OCD: Cognitive Distortions
    A discussion of cognitive distortions in the religious Scrupulosity subtype of OCD. Part two of a multi-part series. […]
    40 Comments
  • OCD and Eating Disorders
    Diagnostic similarities and differences between OCD and eating disorders are discussed by Kimberley Quinlan, MFT, Clinical Director of the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    6 Comments
  • Harm OCD treatment with ERPHarm OCD Treatment With ERP
    Harm OCD treatment using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is discussed by Tom Corboy, MFT, Executive Director of the OCD Center of Los Angeles . […]
    186 Comments
  • My Life with OCD
    The impact of OCD and related anxiety based disorders on the family is often overlooked. In this multi-part series, we present first-hand accounts of the ongoing impact of OCD, BDD, and Bipolar Disorder on one man and his family, as told to Elizabeth Kassel, MSW, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    18 Comments
  • Scrupulosity OCDScrupulosity: Where OCD Meets Religion, Faith, and Belief
    The Scrupulosity sub-type of OCD is discussed by Kevin Foss, MFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles. Part one of a four part series. […]
    222 Comments
  • Mindfulness for OCD and Anxiety
    Using mindfulness to enhance traditional CBT for OCD and anxiety is discussed by Kimberley Quinlan, MFT, Clinical Director of the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    21 Comments
  • Hoarding, Cluttering, and Compulsive Shopping: My Childhood Story
    One woman's story of her life as the child of multiple generations of hoarders. […]
    12 Comments
  • Thought Action FusionOCD and Thought-Action Fusion
    Thought-Action Fusion is a frequent problem for those with OCD. This issue is discussed by Laura Yocum, MFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    27 Comments
  • OCD, Anxiety, and Resistance
    Resistance and acceptance in OCD and related disorders is discussed by the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    21 Comments
  • Harm OCD Treatment: Cognitive Restructuring
    Harm OCD is often misunderstood, but it can be effectively treated using an integrated treatment plan that includes Cognitive Restructuring. Part three of our ongoing series that explores "Harm OCD" and its treatment . […]
    102 Comments
  • OCD & Anxiety: Five Common Roadblocks to Treatment
    Learn the five common mistakes that interfere with successful treatment of OCD and anxiety. By Kimberley Quinlan, MFT, Clinical Director of the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    26 Comments
  • Harm OCD Treatment: Mindfulness Based CBT
    Harm OCD is an often misunderstood condition that can be effectively treated using Mindfulness integrated with CBT. Part two of a multi-part series from the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    100 Comments
  • Skin Picking Disorder / Dermatillomania TreatmentDermatillomania / Skin Picking Disorder Treatment
    Treatment of Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder) with CBT. Part two of a series from the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    164 Comments
  • Harm OCD: Symptoms and Treatment
    This is the first installment in a series of articles in which The OCD Center of Los Angeles demystifies both the symptoms and the treatment of Harm OCD. […]
    461 Comments
  • Orthorexia: Where Eating Disorders Meet OCD – Part 2
    Kimberley Quinlan, MFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles discusses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness for the treatment of Orthorexia. Part two of a two-part series. […]
    18 Comments
  • Casey Anthony, Reasonable Doubt, and OCD
    Harm OCD and 'reasonable doubt' are discussed in relation to the Casey Anthony murder trial. From the OCD Center of Los Angeles.unbearable. […]
    10 Comments
  • ABCs of DermatillomaniaThe ABC’s of Dermatillomania / Skin Picking Disorder
    Symptoms and treatment of Skin Picking Disorder, also known as Dermatillomania. From The OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    208 Comments
  • HOCD / Gay OCD: Challenges to Treatment
    Common challenges seen in the treatment of HOCD / Gay OCD are discussed by the OCD Center of Los Angeles. Part four of a four-part series. […]
    441 Comments
  • Orthorexia: Where Eating Disorders Meet OCD
    Orthorexia is an eating disorder in which people obsess about eating only "pure" and "healthy" foods. By Kimberley Quinlan, MFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    12 Comments
  • Thought Suppression and OCD
    Thought suppression is a common feature of OCD, especially for those with Pure Obsessional OCD (sometimes called "Pure O"). […]
    23 Comments
  • HOCD / Gay OCD: Common Subtypes
    Common subtypes of HOCD / Gay OCD are discussed. Part three of a four part series. From the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    413 Comments
  • Social Anxiety / Social Phobia: Alone With Witnesses – Part 2
    Treatment of Social Anxiety is discussed, along with its relationship with other OC spectrum disorders. From the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    10 Comments
  • Social Anxiety / Social Phobia: Alone With Witnesses – Part 1
    Many people mistakenly think of Social Anxiety as nothing more than shyness. In this two-part series, the OCD Center of Los Angeles discusses Social Anxiety and its treatment with CBT. […]
    9 Comments
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Research – Year in Review
    Tom Corboy, MFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles reviews research studies published in 2010 related to Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). […]
    4 Comments
  • Binge Eating Disorder / Compulsive Overeating and Its Treatment
    Binge Eating Disorder, also known as ‘”compulsive overeating”, can perhaps best be described as a condition in which one periodically consumes extremely large amounts of food. Kimberley Quinlan, MFT, Clinical Director of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, discusses Binge Eating Disorder and its treatment with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). […]
    7 Comments
  • Gay OCD / HOCD Treatment
    Treatment of Gay OCD / HOCD / Sexual Orientation OCD using CBT and Mindfulness is discussed by the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    196 Comments
  • Gay OCD / HOCD / Sexual Orientation OCD
    Symptoms & treatment of Gay OCD, also known as HOCD, or Sexual Orientation OCD. From The OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    752 Comments
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Teens
    Increasing numbers of teens are having elective cosmetic surgeries to address body image issues, without fully considering the physical and psychological risks involved. […]
    No Comments
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Body Image in the News
    A discussion of BDD and recent news reports about the condition. From the OCD Center of Los Angeles. Serving clients in California and internationally. […]
    1 Comment
  • Treatment of OCD and OC Spectrum Disorders in Children
    The OCD Center of Los Angeles discusses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of OCD and anxiety in children and adolescents. […]
    No Comments
  • Trichotillomania, Skin Picking Disorder, and the Resistor’s High
    The OCD Center of Los Angeles discusses treatment of Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder) and Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder). […]
    8 Comments
  • Memory Hoarding in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    Many people with OCD engage in 'memory hoarding', a mental compulsion to over-attend to the details of an event, person, or object. Memory hoarding is done with the belief that the event, person, or object carries a special significance, and may be important to recall exactly as-is at a later date. […]
    266 Comments
  • OCD and the Law – Part 3
    An Australian pro boxer assaults a 70-year old man on a ferry boat and claims his OCD made him do it. Last of a three part series on OCD and the law. […]
    No Comments
  • OCD and the Law – Part 2
    A Kentucky man murdered his wife and then tried to claim that his OCD led him to kill her. Part 2 of a 3 part series. From the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    4 Comments
  • OCD and the Law – Part 1
    A Scottish man claims his massive child pornography collection is due to OCD. Part 1 of a 3 part series from the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    1 Comment
  • OCD Stockholm Syndrome
    Something akin to the Stockholm Syndrome occurs in some people who struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( OCD ). […]
    2 Comments
  • Athletes With Anxiety
    Mental health has long been shrouded in secrecy and shame. So when public figures like professional athletes actively seek help for anxiety, it is a sign of cultural progress. Here are some who have gone public with their struggles. […]
    1 Comment
  • Social Anxiety in Baseball Revisted
    This past week marked the arrival of the 2010 Major League baseball season. And as with last year, this season already has three developing stories of athletes dealing with Social Anxiety. […]
    No Comments
  • Treatment of OCD and Anxiety: A Brief History
    A look at how the treatment of OCD and related anxiety disorders has changed over time, especially the development of CBT and mindfulness for OCD. […]
    3 Comments
  • Tiger Woods, Sex Addiction, and OCD – Part 2
    Sex addiction is misconstrued by many to be a type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This article reviews various factors relevant to determining what diagnosis might be more appropriate. Second of a two part series. […]
    4 Comments
  • Latisse and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
    The drug Latisse is prescribed to lengthen eyelashes, but it has significant, under-reported side effects. This raises two questions - is Latisse safe, and does its marketing exploit women's body image concerns? […]
    2 Comments
  • Proposed DSM-5 Changes for OCD and Anxiety Disorders
    The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has proposed significant revisions to its "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition" (DSM-IV). Tom Corboy of the OCD Center of Los Angeles discusses changes planned for the new DSM-5, specifically those relevant to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related anxiety-based conditions. […]
    7 Comments
  • Reassurance Seeking in OCD and Anxiety
    Those with OCD and other anxiety based conditions often seek reassurance that their unwanted thoughts and feelings are not a threat. The OCD Center of Los Angeles discusses the problem of using reassurance seeking as an anxiety management strategy. […]
    92 Comments
  • Phobia Treatment in Unconventional Settings
    Traditionally, phobias have been treated in a therapist's office. But effective help for phobias can now be found in some very unexpected places. […]
    No Comments
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Cosmetic Surgery
    Many with Body Dysmorphic Disorder turn to cosmetic surgery in an attempt to alleviate their insecurities. Unfortunately, there are plenty of cosmetic surgeons who are more than willing to cash in on those with this serious psychiatric condition. […]
    No Comments
  • OCD & Anxiety: The Year 2009 in Review
    OCD and anxiety were in the news throughout 2009. Here are our votes for the top stories of the year about OCD and related anxiety based conditions. […]
    2 Comments
  • Bizarre, Disturbing, Weird, and Unwanted Thoughts in OCD
    Everybody has bizarre thoughts. But people with OCD respond differently to these thoughts. From the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    26 Comments
  • Emetophobia treatment at the OCD Center of Los Angeles with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emetophobia and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    Emetophobia is the fear of vomit and/or vomiting. Tom Corboy, MFT, Executive Director of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, discusses Emetophobia and its treatment. […]
    85 Comments
  • OCD and Mental Checking
    People with OCD often struggle with 'mental compulsions'. The OCD Center of Los Angeles explores how to manage this sometimes baffling problem. […]
    186 Comments
  • Cyberchondria: Health Anxiety in the 21st Century
    The twin explosions of television and the internet have spawned a sharp increase in Hypochondria, and spawned a new mental health issue - 'Cyberchondria'. […]
    8 Comments
  • Is Compulsive Overeating OCD?
    A discussion of compulsive overeating (aka binge eating) and how it differs from OCD. From the OCD Center of Los Angeles. Serving clients internationally. […]
    No Comments
  • Cy Young, Zack Greinke, and Social Anxiety
    Zack Greinke has overcome his Social Anxiety to become a superstar in major league baseball. […]
    No Comments
  • Exposure Therapy for OCD and AnxietyExposure Therapy for OCD and Anxiety
    Exposure therapy for OCD and other anxiety conditions is discussed by Tom Corboy, MFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    46 Comments
  • Social Anxiety Research
    Recent Social Anxiety research is discussed by Tom Corboy, MFT, executive director of the CD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    No Comments
  • OCD Awareness Week
         […]
    No Comments
  • CBT and Evidence Based Psychotherapy
    Unfortunately, many psychotherapists dismiss evidence-based treatments such as CBT, instead choosing to do what feels comfortable for them. […]
    No Comments
  • OCD, Mental Health, and the National Health Care Debate
    A look at the national health care debate, especially as it pertains to OCD and related anxiety based conditions. […]
    No Comments
  • Childhood OCD, Strep Infections, and PANDAS
    There is a growing body of research that indicates strep infections are related to rapid-onset OCD in children. […]
    No Comments
  • OCD and the Swine Flu – Part 2
    Panic about the Swine Flu continues, despite facts that suggest there is no cause for increased concern. […]
    No Comments
  • 2009 Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation Conference
    A review of the 2009 Obsessive Compulsive Foundation conference. […]
    No Comments
  • New Trichotillomania Research
    A look at recent research related to Trichotillomania. From the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    No Comments
  • Parenting a Child With OCD
    Parenting any child is a full-time job. But parenting a child with OCD can be particularly challenging. From the OCD Center of Los Angeles. […]
    No Comments
  • Social Anxiety in Baseball
    A look at the recent rash of pro baseball players struggling with Social Anxiety Disorder. […]
    No Comments
  • Michael Jackson and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
    A look at the sad tale of Michael Jackson and his mental health issues. […]
    No Comments
  • OCD and the Swine Flu
    The past few months have seen an avalanche of news stories on the Swine Flu, despite its relatively low impact in the US. […]
    No Comments
  • Meet the OCD Center of Los Angeles Staff
    Meet the OCD Center of Los Angeles Staff […]
    No Comments
  • Welcome to the OCD Center of Los Angeles Blog
    Welcome to the OCD Center of Los Angeles Blog […]
    No Comments