Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is frustrating and even debilitating for those who suffer from it. The anxiety and worry associated with this condition interferes with your relationships and ruins your quality of life. Simple tasks seem impossible to accomplish, and you waste valuable time and energy on unproductive endeavors. But you can find obsessive compulsive personality disorder treatment at Online Psychiatrists. Your therapist has extensive training and experience in treating you through psychotherapy and targeted medications. OCD treatment opens up the way to a healthier and happier life. Call today for an appointment.

What Is OCD?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) causes intrusive worrying that leads you to repeatedly perform certain behaviors to reduce your anxiety and stress. Despite your best efforts to ignore these thoughts and focus on other, more productive or enjoyable activities, you feel obligated to complete those repetitive tasks and ritualistic behaviors.

You’re not alone in your condition, and you needn’t feel shame or embarrassment about your compulsions. In fact, more than two million Americans suffer from OCD. But effective obsessive compulsive disorder treatments are available.

Online Psychiatrists welcomes adults between 19 and 65 years of age in Florida, New York or New Jersey. A dedicated psychiatrist who specializes in treating OCD cases offers in-person treatment and remote telepsychiatry sessions if you prefer to avoid the travel and receive OCD treatment in the comfort of your own home.

With OCD, these thoughts become obsessions that lead to repetitive behaviors or compulsions that interfere with your daily life. You end up with two choices, neither of which are helpful:

• Become frustrated because of the amount of time and energy you waste satisfying the compulsions
• Feel burdened with elevated anxiety if you don’t satisfy the compulsions

To fight OCD tendencies, you must learn to differentiate between a conscientious desire for perfection and an endless thought that you can’t shake. The people close to you have probably pointed out the difference countless times.

What Symptoms Require OCD Treatment?

Those diagnosed with OCD usually battle both intrusive thoughts and repetitive actions, but occasionally, you only experience one or the other. Untreated, these thoughts and behaviors can take up inordinate amounts of time and energy. You may require OCD treatment therapy if your symptoms cause you distress. Symptoms include:

• Repeated thoughts about contamination and dirt
• Persistent worries about uncertainty
• An obsessive need to have things orderly and symmetrical
• Scary, unwanted feelings about violence, aggression, sexual activity or religious subjects
• Persistent thoughts about hurting yourself or someone else
• Incessant concerns regarding simple actions, such as locking doors or turning off the stove
• Frightening images of yourself performing violent acts
• Fear of other people’s germs from shaking hands or touching things that others have touched
• Repetitive and unpleasant sexual thoughts or images

Some people suffering from OCD often perform complicated, ritualistic behaviors to overcome the anxiety these intrusive thoughts and images produce. Common behaviors include:

• Relentlessly checking and rechecking — a locked door, for example
• Counting in specific patterns
• Excessively washing hands and cleaning surfaces
• Adhering to an overly strict routine
• Requiring exact orderliness in objects, such as all the cans in your pantry lined up and facing the same direction
• Spiritual individuals often repeat phrases, words, or prayers, afraid that if they don’t do it the correct number of times, the obsessive subject grows in power.

Obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms often begin in teens and young adults, although young children can also exhibit signs of OCD. The symptoms tend to start slowly and grow over time or as a response to stress. Recognizing your symptoms is the first step.

What Does OCD Therapy Look Like?

It’s unclear exactly why anyone develops OCD. Genetics, upbringing and environment seem to play a part. OCD can occur alone or in tandem with other mental health disorders, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance abuse

During your evaluation, your doctor gives you a thorough physical exam, followed by a psychological evaluation that may include questioning members of your family and close friends. Whatever your issues are, be open and forthright with your therapist.

What Does OCD Therapy Look Like?

Once you’ve been diagnosed with OCD, talk to your therapist about effective treatment to prevent your symptoms from becoming debilitating. Your psychiatrist may decide on an obsessive compulsive personality disorder treatment that involves both medication and psychotherapy. This treatment involves:

• Medications can effectively control OCD. Antidepressants have worked for some in the pastzz. Tell your therapist about any medications you’re currently taking to prevent any adverse reactions or side effects. Don’t stop taking your antidepressants without informing your doctor because you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
• Psychotherapy often relies on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT incorporates exposure and response prevention, which desensitize your anxieties and fears. Your therapist teaches you ways to resist your compulsive urges. Gradually, you’re exposed to things that used to bother you the most. Learning to manage your thoughts and behaviors puts you back in control of your life.

For treatment-resistant cases, other options may include intensive outpatient or inpatient programs, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or deep brain stimulation (DBS). Your Online Psychiatrists doctor determines which treatment option is right for you. Call the practice today and get on the road to recovery.