OCD Treatment

While some people think OCD is an obsessive need for tidiness or structure, as shown in popular culture, we know better. Those who have OCD can have distressing thoughts that completely disrupt their daily life. Let our OCD treatment methods give you your life back.

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What Is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a deep and complex disorder characterized by consistent, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges, and then performing repetitive behaviors or mental rituals. Those affected by OCD frequently feel compelled to execute these compulsions to reduce the discomfort caused by their obsessions.

For many with OCD, the nature of these thoughts and actions significantly disrupts daily routines, social interactions, and overall well-being.

It can be difficult to diagnose OCD due to the condition sharing some symptoms with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).

You need an OCD psychiatrist willing to take the time to understand you and your needs to truly manage your OCD symptoms. Schedule an appointment with one of our insurance-based mental health experts.

What Causes OCD?

While the exact causes of OCD are still to be determined, it is thought that a mix of genetic, biological, and environmental influences plays a role in the development of the disorder.
  • Genetics: The likelihood of developing OCD can be higher for those with close family members who have the condition, suggesting a possible genetic connection.
  • Brain structure and function: Research has shown that there may be variations in specific brain regions among those with OCD, implying that changes in the brain's structure or its operations might contribute to the disorder.
  • Environmental influences: Experiencing traumatic or stressful events can elevate the risk of triggering OCD.

What Does Obsession Mean in OCD?

Obsessions within OCD manifest as persistent, unwanted thoughts, visions, or impulses that cause discomfort, fear, or anxiety. It’s important to note that these thoughts and impulses don’t appear occasionally and are easy to brush off. They are consistently appearing, making it difficult to think about anything else. 

Even though people with OCD may understand their thoughts are exaggerated or irrational, they experience difficulty in managing or dismissing these obsessions.

OCD can manifest in a variety of obsessions, the most common themes include:

  • Fears of losing control over your body or behavior
  • Fears of injury to yourself or loved ones
  • Fear of losing or forgetting something
  • The need to have things in a certain order or organized symmetrically
  • Unwanted thoughts involving harm, religion, or sex
  • Fear of contamination or being dirty
  • Difficulty with any form of uncertainty
  • Being responsible for something bad happening

What Does Compulsion Mean in OCD?

People with OCD may resort to repetitive behaviors or mental rituals, which are clinically called compulsions, to cope with troubling obsessions. These compulsive actions are often performed to weaken, counteract, or alleviate the unease linked with their obsessions. 

The relief of performing compulsions is short-lived, and the negative feelings from the obsessions will eventually return. 

Typical compulsive actions include:

  • Washing or cleaning
  • Checking things
  • Counting
  • Strict routines
  • Needing reassurance
  • Avoiding certain places or people
  • Praying (or other religious action) multiple times a day

For proper treatment, an empathetic OCD psychiatrist is needed to understand the connections between the obsessions, compulsions, and your emotions. 

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Recognizing the Signs of OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a frequently misinterpreted mental health issue. Identifying the symptoms of OCD is important for seeking assistance and controlling the disorder effectively.

Obsession-based symptoms can include:

  • Not wanting to touch objects others have touched due to potential contamination
  • Feeling that something bad is going to happen if you don’t perform a specific task or action
  • Extreme stress if objects aren’t set a certain way
  • Images of hurting yourself or others
  • Not able to control thoughts about acting poorly in public
  • Avoiding certain situations, places, or people due to stress or fear

Typical compulsions involve:

  • Over-cleaning or frequent handwashing
  • Constantly verifying things (such as locks or appliances)
  • Organizing objects in a specific order
  • Engaging in counting or repeating words and phrases
  • Continuously seeking confirmation
  • Repeating a prayer or other religious action
  • Replacing a bad word or thought with a good one

Please understand this is not a comprehensive list of symptoms. You must speak to a mental health professional to get properly diagnosed with OCD.

How to Get Diagnosed with OCD

Diagnosing OCD requires an in-depth assessment by an OCD psychiatrist. It typically involves questions about your thoughts, emotions, and behavioral tendencies to ascertain if obsessions or compulsions are impacting your daily life. 

When you meet with an Elevate Psychology professional, they may also ask about potential physical health problems and ask for blood work to ensure they look at your whole body—not just one aspect. 

To be diagnosed with OCD, your symptoms must comply with the standards set in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide universally accepted among mental health practitioners. 

The key diagnostic criteria encompass:

  • Existence of obsessions 
  • Existence of compulsions
  • Obsessions and/or compulsions must significantly consume time
  • Obsessions and/or compulsions must cause considerable distress or functional impairment

It's important to understand that only a qualified healthcare provider is authorized to diagnose OCD. Should you or someone you care about suspect the presence of OCD, reaching out to a professional for a proper evaluation and treatment plan is crucial.

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Our OCD Treatment Methods

We recognize every person's journey with OCD is different, so we provide a variety of customized treatment plans. Our philosophy is centered on a holistic approach to mental wellness, urging you to weave these practices into your daily routines.

Talk Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is recognized for its success in addressing OCD. This therapeutic approach involves carefully introducing you to scenarios that activate your obsessive thoughts while guiding you toward adopting constructive coping mechanisms for the resulting anxiety.

Medication Management

Medication can be a great tool to manage OCD. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) frequently serve as a treatment option for OCD, working to alleviate symptoms by modifying the chemical equilibrium within the brain. Our commitment is to manage your medication collaboratively, not just tell you what to take.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

When traditional therapies fall short, alternative methods, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), can be explored. It activates certain parts of the brain to assist in controlling OCD symptoms. TMS is a non-invasive, painless, in-person OCD treatment in our Florida offices performed by one of our professionals trained in TMS.

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting specific lifestyle changes is vital in controlling OCD. These adjustments can significantly aid in better symptom management and foster overall mental health and well-being.

  • Regular exercise: Physical activity induces the release of endorphins, brain chemicals that serve as natural mood enhancers. Additionally, it aids in lowering anxiety, enhancing sleep quality, and boosting self-esteem.
  • Healthy eating: Consuming foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants can enhance mental well-being. Meanwhile, cutting down on caffeine, alcohol, and sugar intake can help in controlling anxiety and mood fluctuations often experienced by people with OCD.
  • Mindfulness and meditation: Engaging in mindfulness and meditation helps keep you in the current moment, decreasing obsessive thoughts and compulsions. Activities like yoga, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) are especially advantageous.
  • Adequate sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for managing OCD. Insufficient sleep can worsen OCD symptoms by heightening anxiety and impairing cognitive functions. Creating a consistent sleep schedule and fostering a relaxing environment can enhance sleep quality.

Support Groups and Therapy

Becoming part of a support group or participating in therapy can play a vital role in controlling OCD. Support groups offer a space for you to exchange stories and gain insights from others navigating similar paths. 

Can You Prevent OCD?

There is no foolproof method to completely avoid OCD, but adopting certain practices can help minimize the risk or prevent the increase of symptoms. Early recognition and intervention are key.

For those with a family history of OCD, participating in counseling or therapy sessions and learning coping mechanisms may be helpful.

Following your treatment plan consistently, even after symptoms have lessened, is crucial to prevent the development or recurrence of OCD. Always seek advice from a mental health professional for any OCD-related questions or concerns.

A Holistic Approach to OCD Treatment

Our team of certified mental health professionals can help you process OCD and regain control of your life. Your experience is unique to you, and we will help you find a treatment path that best suits your needs.

Although there is no cure for OCD in a traditional medical sense, you can overcome it and arm yourself with healthy tools and support going forward.

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