Pine Rest Mission Statement
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services is called to express the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by providing behavioral health services with professional excellence, Christian integrity and compassion.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

When Unwanted Thoughts Take Over: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Everyone double-checks things sometimes-for example, checking the stove before leaving the house, to make sure it's turned off. But people with OCD feel the need to check things over and over, or have certain thoughts or perform routines and rituals over and over. The thoughts and rituals of OCD cause distress and get in the way of daily life.

The repeated, upsetting thoughts of OCD are called obsessions. To try to control them, people with OCD repeat rituals or behaviors, which are called compulsions. People with OCD can't control these thoughts and rituals.

Examples of obsessions are fear of germs, of being hurt or of hurting others, and troubling religious or sexual thoughts. Examples of compulsions are repeatedly counting things, cleaning things, washing the body or parts of it, or putting things in a certain order, when these actions are not needed, and checking things over and over.

People with OCD have these thoughts and do these rituals for at least an hour on most days, often longer. The reason OCD gets in the way of their lives is that they can't stop the thoughts or rituals, so they sometimes miss school, work, or meetings with friends, for example.

What are the symptoms of OCD?
People with OCD:

• have repeated thoughts or images about many different things, such as fear of germs, dirt, or intruders; violence; hurting loved ones; sexual acts; conflicts with religious beliefs; or being overly neat.
• do the same rituals over and over such as washing hands, locking and unlocking doors, counting, keeping unneeded items, or repeating the same steps again and again.
• have unwanted thoughts and behaviors they can't control.
• don't get pleasure from the behaviors or rituals, but get brief relief from the anxiety the thoughts cause.
• spend at least an hour a day on the thoughts and rituals, which cause distress and get in the way of daily life.

Is there help?
There is help for people with OCD. The first step is to go to a physician or health clinic to talk about symptoms. People who think they have OCD may want to bring this booklet to the physician, to help them talk about the symptoms in it. The physician will do an exam to make sure that another physical problem isn't causing the symptoms. The physician may make a referral to a mental health specialist.

Physicians may prescribe medication to help relieve OCD. It's important to know that some of these medicines may take a few weeks to start working. Only a physician (a family physician or psychiatrist) can prescribe medications. (In 2 states, psychologists with specific training and certification may prescribe medications for anxiety disorders.)

The kinds of medicines used to treat OCD are listed below. Some of these medicines are used to treat other problems, such as depression, but also are helpful for OCD.

• antidepressants,
• antianxiety medicines, and
• beta-blockers.

Physicians also may ask people with OCD to go to therapy with a licensed social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist. This treatment can help people with OCD feel less anxious and fearful.

There is no cure for OCD yet, but treatments can give relief to people who have it and help them live a more normal life. If you know someone with signs of OCD, talk to him or her about seeing a physician. Offer to go along for support. To find out more about OCD, call 1-866-615-NIMH (1-866-615-6464) to have free information mailed to you.

Who pays for treatment?
Most insurance plans cover treatment for anxiety disorders. People who are going to have treatment should check with their own insurance companies to find out about coverage. For people who don't have insurance, local city or county governments may offer treatment at a clinic or health center, where the cost is based on income. Medicaid plans also may pay for OCD treatment.

Why do people get OCD?
OCD sometimes runs in families, but no one knows for sure why some people have it, while others don't. When chemicals in the brain are not at a certain level it may result in OCD. Medications can often help the brain chemicals stay at the correct levels.

To improve treatment, scientists are studying how well different medicines and therapies work. In one kind of research, people with OCD choose to take part in a clinical trial to help physicians find out what treatments work best for most people, or what works best for different symptoms. Usually, the treatment is free. Scientists are learning more about how the brain works, so that they can discover new treatments.

Personal story
"I couldn't touch any doors or countertops in public areas. I knew it didn't make any sense, but I was terrified of getting germs that could kill me. I almost couldn't go out in public, I was so afraid. If I thought I had touched anything, I would have to wash myself for hours. Sometimes I washed so much that my skin would get red and raw and bleed.

"At first I was too embarrassed to get help, but a friend told me to call the doctor. I'm so glad I did. I took the medicine my doctor gave me. I also talked with a counselor, in therapy. I learned to cope with my fear of germs and to stop washing so much."

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Behavior Therapy
The goal of Behavior Therapy is to modify and gain control over unwanted behavior. The individual learns to cope with difficult situations, often through controlled exposure to them. This kind of therapy gives the individual a sense of having control over their life.

Cognitive Therapy
The goal of Cognitive Therapy is to change unproductive or harmful thought patterns. The individual examines his feelings and learns to separate realistic from unrealistic thoughts. As with Behavior Therapy, the individual is actively involved in his own recovery and has a sense of control.

Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Many therapists use a combination of Cognitive and Behavior Therapies, this is often referred to as CBT. One of the benefits of these types therapies is that the patient learns recovery skills that are useful for a lifetime.

Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation Techniques help individuals develop the ability to more effectively cope with the stresses that contribute to anxiety, as well as with some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. The techniques taught include breathing re-training and exercise.

Medication
Medication can be very useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and it is often used in conjunction with one or more of the therapies mentioned above. Sometimes anti-depressants or anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications) are used to alleviate severe symptoms so that other forms of therapy can go forward. Medication is effective for many people and can be either a short-term or long-term treatment option, depending on the individual.

This article was excerpted from the NIMH article located at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/NIMHocd.cfm, and the ADAA article at http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/Treatment.asp. Additional information and references may be obtained there.

Pine Rest Announcements

Carolyn King, M.D. Joins Pine Rest Child And Adolescent Program

Carolyn King, M.D. has joined Pine Rest in the Child and Adolescent program as a psychiatrist.

Carolyn King, M.D., received a medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. Dr. King was a resident of general psychiatry and a fellow of child psychiatry at the University of Michigan Health Systems in Ann Arbor, MI.

Prior to joining Pine Rest, King was in private practice as an adult and child psychiatrist in Grosse Pointe Farms and Ann Arbor. King served as a consulting psychiatrist to Community Care Services Community Mental Health (CMH), The Children’s Center CMH in Wayne County, and the Institute for Psychiatry and Medicine in Washtenaw County. She was the co-host of a morning talk show, the "Monthly Mental Health Hour" on WJLB – FM 98. She will continue her committee involvement nationally with The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), producing "Facts for Families" information sheets available online.

Dr. Brant VanOrman New Training Director of Pre-Doctoral Psychology Internship Program

In July, Dr. Brant VanOrman assumed the position of Training Director for Pine Rest’s Pre-Doctoral Psychology Internship program. The internship program, which has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1982, is designed to prepare interns to become independent practitioners. It also emphasizes integrating personal faith with empirically supported clinical practice.

Interns must possess a Master’s degree in psychology and be in a doctoral-level psychology program.

"The primary goal of the internship is to equip interns with the ability to integrate psychological theory, research, and practice within a Christian framework," said Dr. VanOrman. "The philosophy of training emphasizes creating an environment that nurtures and challenges interns, both as professionals and people."

The internship is set up to provide a breadth of experiences: outpatient, inpatient, residential, and community outreach. Training is facilitated through weekly seminars and modules designed to tie experiences together with an integrative focus.

Dr. VanOrman graduated with a doctorate in psychology from Wheaton College, and completed his pre-doctoral internship at the Pine Rest Grand Haven Clinic in 2000. He has supervised undergraduate, pre-masters, and pre-doctoral students in clinical training, in addition to directing research groups at the Psychological Consultation Center on the assessment of pre-surgical candidates and assessment of ADHD.

September 6, 13, 20, 27
Eating Disorders Educational Support Group
Ongoing confidential group geared for persons with diagnosed eating disorders who are also receiving treatment from a health professional. 5:30 - 7 p.m. at Pine Rest Northeast Clinic, 1700 East Beltline, NE, Suite 240. Cost: $10/week. Facilitated by Michelle Muenzenmeyer, MA, LLP. An assessment or referral is required prior to joining the group. To schedule an assessment or for more information, call 616/364-1500.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

August 8
Together We Can Understand Adult ADHD
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services' Traverse City Clinic will host a workshop entitled, "Together We Can Understand Adult ADHD," as part of the "Together We Can" community education series.

The presentation will take place on Wednesday, August 8 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Pine Rest Traverse City Clinic, 1050 Silver Drive, Traverse City. The event is free and open to the public. Kelly Greene, Psy.D., will serve as facilitator.

Space is limited for this presentation so pre-registration is recommended. To register, interested persons should call Pine Rest Traverse City Clinic at 231/947-2255, ext. 0.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

August 14, 21, 28, September 4
Anger Management Classes for Teens
Led by Ryan LaRue, MSW, LMSW, ACSW, outpatient therapist at Pine Rest Campus Clinic. 4:15 -5:30 p.m. in the Van Andel Center on Pine Rest's main campus, 300 68th Street, SE, Grand Rapids. Open to male and female teens ages 12-17. Cost: $75/person. Those interested in these classes do not have to be patients of Pine Rest. Space may be limited and early registration is recommended. For more information and to register, call 616/222-4584 or email ryan.larue@pinerest.org.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

September 6, 13, 20, 27
Anger Management Classes for Adults
Led by Jim Bottenhorn, MA, LLP, Director of Pine Rest’s Hospital Admissions. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Administration building on Pine Rest's main campus, 300 68th Street, SE, Grand Rapids. Open to adults and older teens. Registration is required. Cost: $65/individual or $95/two family members. Class fee due at first class. Call 616/493-6033 for more information and to register.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

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Copyright © 2007, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. All rights reserved. The contents of Mental Health News & Information are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.