By Jonathan Hoffman, Ph.D., ABPP This article aims to provide an overview of diagnosing and treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in the context of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for impacted individuals and their loved ones.  In recent years, awareness that individuals on the autistic spectrum also often meet diagnostic criteria for one or more psychiatric conditions continues to increase. OCD is now well-recognized as being among the mos

By David Tolin, Ph.D., ABPP Many people notice that both autism and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) involve repeated behaviors. While these behaviors can look similar on the surface, they usually come from very different reasons and serve very differentpurposes. Understanding these differences can help families, educators, and clinicians respond in more supportive and effective ways.    What Do We Mean by “Repetitive Behaviors”?   Repetitive behaviors are actions that hap

By Andrea Lacayo, Psy.D. While attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may seem like opposite conditions - one characterized by impulsivity and distractibility, the other by a need for control and focus on small details - they are both points along the impulsive- compulsive spectrum of disorders and often co-occur.   Research indicates that comorbidity between ADHD and OCD is not uncommon, with studies reporting rates of ADHD in

By Jonathan Hoffman, PhD During Suicide Prevention Month, our focus sharpens on one of the most complex clinical challenges: assessing suicide risk in patients with severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Standard risk assessment can be insufficient when a patient reports intrusive thoughts of self-harm.  The critical question becomes: are we hearing an ego-dystonic obsession, a common symptom of OCD, or a genuine expression of suicidal ideation? Misinterpreting this can lead t

Este artículo tiene como objetivo proporcionar una actualización sobre un tema muy oportuno e importante para tantas personas afectadas y...

Este artigo tem como objetivo fornecer uma atualização sobre um assunto muito oportuno e importante para tantos indivíduos afetados e...

A sobbing child implores Parent A to rescue them from the monster. They want to sleep in the master bedroom where they will feel safer.

OCD has me in an endless race trying to find a mental safe place.

Pediatric OCD can be very severe and debilitating. In such cases, an intensive treatment program is often the most effective plan.

By practicing ERP consistently, the ability to face fears grows stronger and fears weaken.

OCD is sort of like having the person who is supposed to be your best friend turn into the enemy, or is that a frenemy?