Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

If you are reading this page, seeking treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) for yourself or someone you love, you most likely have already searched online resources that explain OCD and describe how it is diagnosed. You also know firsthand about the anguish and suffering of those with OCD, the pain to self and family, and the difficulty managing the elusive nature of OCD as one thought trumps another, increasing distress and driving rituals or compulsions.

Across the lifespan, there are two evidence-based therapies for OCD: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication. Of the two, the gold standard for treatment is a specific application of CBT known as exposure and ritual prevention (ERP). For children, it is recommended that ERP occur prior to medication use, if medicine is used at all. Recommendations about the best combination of treatments for you will occur as part of a complete evaluation of the impact of OCD on you and your family. Based on a variety of factors (your history, whether you’ve had treatment before, the impact of OCD on your life, whether you have related diagnoses such as hair or skin picking, body image concerns [body dysmorphic disorder], tics or Tourette’s disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, ADHD, compulsive hoarding), your CBT treatment plan will be individually tailored.

Dr. Saylor has had a long-standing interest in OCD and has specialized in treating the disorder throughout his career. In addition to focusing on anxiety disorders during his graduate training and afterward, he completed training at the Behavior Therapy Institute of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), which is considered the benchmark in training for the treatment of OCD. Dr. Saylor works with his colleagues, Dr. Sajjad Khan and Dr. Jessica Jupiter, all of whom are experts in ERP, to ensure that treatment for OCD matches the standard set by current scientific knowledge.

A variety of options for outpatient CBT are provided, ranging from once-weekly appointments to intensive outpatient therapy occurring multiple times per week in various settings that trigger symptoms. Often, Dr. Saylor, Dr. Sajjad Khan and Dr. Jessica Jupiter work as a team to ensure frequent practice and continuity of care.