What Is Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia or dysthymic disorder, is a chronic form of depression that lasts for two years or more. Unlike major depression, the symptoms of PDD are typically less severe but more enduring. People with PDD may struggle with low mood, low self-esteem, poor concentration, and a lack of interest in daily life over extended periods of time.

Who Is at Risk of PDD?

Persistent depressive disorder can affect anyone. Risk factors include family history of mood disorders, chronic medical conditions, past episodes of major depressive disorder, substance use disorders, and significant life stressors. Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable, especially when symptoms go undiagnosed or untreated.

How Is PDD Diagnosed?

A diagnosis is typically made by a licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider using DSM-5 criteria. To be diagnosed with PDD, symptoms must persist for at least two years in adults (or one year in adolescents) and not be absent for more than two months at a time.

Sexual OCD: Understanding Symptoms and Finding Effective Treatment

Q: What Is Sexual OCD?

Sexual OCD (also known as Sexual Obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is a subtype of OCD that involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts about sexuality. These thoughts can be distressing and may cause a person to question their identity, morality, or actions. Sexual OCD is not a reflection of a person's desires or values but rather an anxiety-driven disorder that leads to compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing uncertainty and distress.

Q: How Is Sexual OCD Treated?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) ERP is the gold standard for OCD treatment. This approach helps individuals gradually face their fears and learn to tolerate uncertainty without engaging in compulsions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT helps reframe our relationship distorted thinking patterns, reducing the power of intrusive thoughts and teaching healthier ways to respond. Mindfulness and Acceptance Strategies Mindfulness techniques help clients observe their thoughts without reacting to them, allowing for greater emotional regulation and reduced anxiety. Medication In some cases, SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) may be prescribed to help manage symptoms alongside therapy.

What Is Sexual OCD?

Sexual OCD (also known as Sexual Obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is a subtype of OCD that involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts about sexuality. These thoughts can be distressing and may cause a person to question their identity, morality, or actions. Sexual OCD is not a reflection of a person’s desires or values but rather an anxiety-driven disorder that leads to compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing uncertainty and distress.

At CBT Baltimore, we specialize in treating Sexual OCD with evidence-based approaches that help individuals regain control over their thoughts and behaviors.

Common Symptoms of Sexual OCD

People with Sexual OCD may experience:

Intrusive thoughts about inappropriate, taboo, or unwanted sexual content.
Persistent doubts about their sexual identity or orientation.
Fears of acting on unwanted thoughts despite having no desire to do so.
Compulsive reassurance-seeking (e.g., checking reactions, researching online, asking others for validation).
Avoidance behaviors (e.g., avoiding certain people, situations, or media to prevent distress).
Mental reviewing and rumination to “prove” to oneself that the thoughts are not real.

These symptoms can be highly distressing, often leading to guilt, shame, and a decreased quality of life.

Sexual OCD

Understanding the Difference: OCD vs. Reality

It’s crucial to understand that having an intrusive thought does not mean a person wants to act on it. In fact, the distress caused by these thoughts is evidence that they go against the individual’s values and identity. People with Sexual OCD often suffer in silence, fearing judgment or misunderstanding.

At CBT Baltimore, we provide a safe, judgment-free space to explore these thoughts and develop healthier ways to manage them.

How Is Sexual OCD Treated?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is the gold standard for OCD treatment. This approach helps individuals gradually face their fears and learn to tolerate uncertainty without engaging in compulsions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps reframe our relationship distorted thinking patterns, reducing the power of intrusive thoughts and teaching healthier ways to respond.

Mindfulness and Acceptance Strategies

Mindfulness techniques help clients observe their thoughts without reacting to them, allowing for greater emotional regulation and reduced anxiety.

Medication

In some cases, SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) may be prescribed to help manage symptoms alongside therapy.

Get Help for Sexual OCD in Baltimore

If you or a loved one is struggling with Sexual OCD, you are not alone, and effective treatment is available. At CBT Baltimore, our therapists specialize in helping individuals overcome OCD using research-backed methods tailored to your needs.

Take the first step toward relief—schedule a session today.