OCD & Behavioral

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OCD & Behavioral Therapy

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood, but with the right help, its grip can be loosened. Dr. Naeem Aftab is a psychiatrist in Lahore who specializes in OCD and uses advanced behavioral therapies to treat it. OCD is a condition marked by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to ease anxiety. For example, someone might obsessively fear germs and wash their hands until raw. These obsessions and compulsions consume hours of the day and disrupt normal life. Importantly, “there is no cure for OCD, but available treatments can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life”.

What Is OCD and Behavioral Therapy?

OCD can start in childhood or young adulthood, and it affects people of all backgrounds. Common obsessions include fears of contamination (germs, dirt), causing harm to others, needing things to be “just right,” or intrusive, unwanted thoughts about religion or morality. Common compulsions (repetitive behaviors) include excessive hand washing, cleaning, checking locks or appliances, counting, arranging objects symmetrically, or repeated mental rituals like praying or counting in response to a thought.

Symptoms of OCD (Behaviors Addressed)

Patients often seek OCD therapy when obsessions and compulsions significantly interfere with life. Common OCD symptoms treated include:

Obsession with Contamination: Recurring thoughts about dying or suicide (This is an emergency seek help immediately).Excessive fear of germs or dirt leading to repeated hand-washing or cleaning.
Intrusive Thoughts: Disturbing, unwanted thoughts (for example about harming someone, sexual images, or religious doubts) that cause extreme anxiety.
Need for Order: An overwhelming urge to arrange items symmetrically or in a “perfect” order.
Repeated Checking: Constantly checking things (locks, stove, appliances) to prevent a feared event.
Counting or Rituals: Performing mental rituals (counting, praying, or special movements) until anxiety decreases.
Reassurance Seeking: Needing constant confirmation to relieve doubt or anxiety.

Assessment: Dr. Aftab begins with a detailed evaluation of your obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. This includes understanding what triggers your anxiety, how often rituals occur, and how much your daily life is affected.
Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, a personalized plan is created. For OCD, Dr. Aftab typically recommends a combination of CBT (specifically ERP) and, if needed, medication. He will explain exactly what each part involves.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): In therapy sessions (in-person or via telemedicine), you work with Dr. Aftab (or a therapist he recommends) on ERP. For instance, if fear of contamination is an obsession, you might first imagine touching something “dirty,” and then gradually work up to actually touching it without washing immediately. This is done step-by-step with Dr. Aftab’s support.
Medication: Many patients benefit from SSRIs (antidepressants) which can reduce OCD symptoms by balancing brain chemicals. If prescribed, you’ll take medication daily and have regular check-ins. Dr. Aftab will adjust the dose as necessary.

Reduced Anxiety: ERP training teaches you that feared situations aren’t dangerous, reducing panic and fear over time.
Improved Control: You’ll learn to resist compulsions. Instead of feeling helpless to your rituals, you gain mastery.
Better Daily Function: As OCD symptoms lessen, you can focus on work, studies, or social activities without constant interference.
Less Distress and Isolation: Friends and family often don’t understand OCD. Therapy provides relief from shame and helps you explain the condition, reducing isolation.
Improved Quality of Life: Although OCD can be chronic, effective therapy allows you to live more fully. NIMH emphasizes that “available treatments can help people manage their symptoms, participate in day-to-day activities, and improve their quality of life.”. This means you can pursue normal routines, relationships, and goals once more.

About US

Dr. Naeem Aftab’s Approach

Dr. Naeem Aftab is a specialist psychiatrist whose expertise includes OCD and anxiety disorders. He earned his MBBS from A.I. Medical College (Lahore) and trained in psychiatry in New York. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, reflecting his high level of training. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Aftab has treated countless patients with OCD in Lahore and Karachi, as well as abroad.

In treating OCD, Dr. Aftab uses gold-standard, evidence-based methods. His approach is compassionate and patient-centered. He understands that OCD behaviors can be embarrassing, so he provides a non-judgmental environment. He takes time to explain each step (such as how ERP works) so you feel empowered in your own recovery. Sessions are collaborative: you set the pace of exposures and therapy. Dr. Aftab also incorporates behavioral techniques into general stress and anxiety management.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OCD?

OCD is a disorder involving obsessions (unwanted, intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors done to ease anxiety). For example, fearing contamination (obsession) might lead to repeated hand-washing (compulsion).

Can OCD be cured completely?

OCD is usually a chronic condition. However, “available treatments can help people manage their symptoms”. While there may not be a permanent “cure,” patients often experience major relief. Many learn to live well with minimal symptoms after therapy.

What does behavioral therapy for OCD involve?

The core of therapy is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a form of CBT. You gradually face feared situations without performing the compulsive act, under Dr. Aftab’s guidance. Over time this reduces anxiety. In addition, therapy may involve cognitive techniques to challenge obsessive thoughts.

Will I need medication?

Many patients benefit from antidepressant medications (SSRIs) for OCD. These can reduce the intensity of obsessions and compulsions, especially when combined with therapy. Medication is usually prescribed alongside therapy to achieve the best results.

How long before I see improvement?

Some patients notice a reduction in anxiety within a few weeks of consistent therapy (and/or medication). ERP takes practice, so significant improvement often builds over 2-3 months. Dr. Aftab will set realistic expectations and work steadily with you toward your goals.

Get Started

Appointment & Contact

Scheduling an appointment with Dr. Naeem Aftab is easy and confidential. Use the contact information below or our online portal (calendar integration coming soon) to secure a session.