OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)

WHAT IS OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by uncontrollable, recurring, and unwanted thoughts. Individuals with OCD may also feel the need to repeat specific behaviors, often for reasons that may seem illogical to others.

While it is normal for everyone to experience mild worries occasionally, the symptoms of OCD are far more severe and consistent. Generally, the behaviors and thoughts caused by OCD interfere with everyday life and relationships, causing significant stress in an individual’s life.

The signs of OCD tend to arrive in childhood or young adulthood, often emerging earlier in boys than girls. Usually, people are diagnosed with OCD in their early twenties, though late diagnoses are sometimes possible.

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COMMON SYMPTOMS OF OCD

Patients with OCD may suffer from obsessions, compulsions, or a combination of both:

  • Obsessions are constant thoughts, mental images, or urges that cause stress or anxiety, such as:
    • Fears of losing control over one’s body or behavior
    • Fears of injury to self or loved ones
    • Fear of germs, illness, or contamination
    • 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
  • Compulsions are repeated behaviors caused by a specific obsessive thought, such as:
    • Excessive hand washing or cleaning
    • Touching or arranging items in a particular manner
    • Constantly checking and rechecking things, such as door locks, windows, or appliances
    • Counting or recitation of specific words/phrases

It’s important to understand that not all habits are necessarily compulsions and that even if you have ritualistic behaviors, you may or may not have OCD. Typically, OCD patients are characterized as:

    • Unable to control their thoughts and behaviors, even if they want to or realize their compulsive nature
    • Spending at least an hour per day on compulsive behaviors or obsessive thoughts
    • Experiencing brief anxiety relief when completing ritualistic behaviors
    • Experiencing negative problems in life and relationships as a result of OCD symptoms

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR OCD

Elevate Psychiatry can help you receive a diagnosis and treatment for OCD symptoms, as well as the other conditions that may occur alongside OCD (anxiety, depression, and others).

Depending on your goals and experiences, your OCD treatment may include:

Medications

Psychotherapy (“talk therapy”)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Our specialized team can help you reduce your symptoms, manage your OCD, and overcome challenges to live a happy, healthy life.

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“Absolutely love Elevate! I was referred by a friend and everything he told me was true. Easy to find. Nice, clean, professional office and the staff is competent and helpful.”

-A Patient

“Excellent care, with emphasis on meaningful patient interaction, and a comfortable and sleek environment. Would recommend to anyone.”

-A Patient

“Elevate Psychiatry is by far the most educated, professional, caring, and effective place for bettering your life using therapy and/or medication management. From the outstanding assistance given when dealing with patient services/administrations to the compassion you feel when having your sessions, Elevate Psychiatry is the real deal. Knowing that your case is being looked at by the group of doctors and discussed to ensure you get the best possible treatment is such a breath of fresh air. My whole life I have struggled in certain areas, always finding failure from psychologists & psychiatrists. From the first day to sitting here writing this as you read I feel life blossoming in large part due to the treatment given by all staff and doctors. The feeling that knowing I feel better not because some Dr. is throwing different medications at me, but because both my Psychiatrist & Psychologist have worked together to find the right balance for me to live a healthier, better, more productive life is a feeling like no other before.”

-Brian P

“There are no words to describe my experience at elevate, Dr. Bhatia and Ryan Walker aren’t only people who truly care about others but they are genuinely intrigued in listening to your problems and life experiences you have been through, you may ask yourself who really has time for issues that aren’t your own and you also ask are there people out there that actually care about your problems and concerns? The answer is yes, I was very nervous in finding a place that will help me as this was my first time, I’m 21 years old and a actor with a lot of things going on in life, elevate has the best team to cater to what is best for you and I’m forever great full. If you’re thinking in either doing M.A.T or Just want someone to talk to you have to go with elevate.”

-Carlos O

“Compassionate, understanding, and all-around fantastic care from Dr. Bhatia. I highly recommend his practice for whatever psychiatric issue you may be dealing with! Top notch.”

-Brett W

“Going to Elevate has been life-changing. I have been seeing Ryan for a couple of months now and it has been the best decision. Never have gone to a psychiatrist before, I was a bit nervous but my sessions with Ryan eased any fear. Ryan is welcoming, understanding, kind, and knowledgeable. He listens to you, asks you questions about how YOU want to proceed, and cares about you. They genuinely want to help you and that makes all the difference.

I have recommended Elevate and Ryan to all my friends and family and cannot recommend it enough.”

-Melanie H

“At Elevate, it’s never been about just sending you home with a prescription. I always notice that Polina pauses to thoroughly think through her recommendations for next steps and then provides me with several options. Having a say in your treatment plan is so empowering and I always leave appointments feeling refreshed.”

-Natalie A

“My experiences so far at this clinic have definitely been top-notch. The location is both beautiful and convenient in downtown Miami. The excellent staff and doctors are great at listening to your individual needs and educating you on the most progressive and effective treatment options for whatever your problems might be. I would recommend this place to anyone, four stars all the way! :-)”

-Mason G

“The most human, pragmatic, and empathic Psychiatrist I’ve ever had for my mom. Exceeds all expectations in every sense. You won’t find anyone better in Miami. God bless him and his practice.”

-Ricardo S

“OK, let me begin by saying I have gone up and down Miami looking for a psychiatrist who can assist with my sister’s condition. We are so extremely satisfied with the patient care. My sister has Cerebral Palsy and suffers from depression and anxiety. From the first day we met with Polina she listened to all of us and she took the time to address all of our concerns. It has been 2 months and counting we have been with her and we feel so blessed to have come across such a patient, sensitive, and compassionate doctor especially for the Special Education Community. If I could rate her more than 5 stars I would, do yourself a favor and book an appointment without any hesitation.”

-Lazara G

“Great office and great provider. I can’t speak to all providers in this office, but Miss Pamela NP was amazing- answered all of my questions, really tried to communicate with me, and did not make me feel like I was a bad person for taking my medications. Highly recommend her if you have moved to MIA and need a new person.”

-Shannon K

“I have been a patient for over a year now and I am beyond grateful to have found them. The staff is always very helpful and is great with communication. I have been treated by Polina since coming to elevate psychiatry and she has truly helped change my life around. She is extremely detail-oriented, listens to you, and truly cares about seeing patients get the proper care they need. She has so much compassion and is so supportive. Finding a mental health professional that you feel comfortable with is difficult but Elevate Psychiatry led me to her and the wonderful staff. Thank you guys for all the amazing work that you guys do. You are truly appreciated!”

-Stephanie R

“Truly an amazing experience. The staff was professional, caring, and very personable. The location was very centric and the office made me feel comfortable. Definitely recommended to any of my close friends or family.”

-J Belvin

“Excellent care, with emphasis on meaningful patient interaction, and a comfortable and sleek environment. Would recommend to anyone”

-Joshua N

“Amazing place! Great location and a very comfortable interior! Staff is super friendly and helpful. I feel truly cared out about when I go. Definitely recommend!!”

-Andy M

“I find Dr. Bhatia to be an extremely competent and professional doctor; one who is compassionate, caring, accommodating, and most importantly a good listener. He has tailored his office to create a space that allows his patients to feel comfortable and secure. His “bedside” manner is unpretentious and respectful, which allows for ease in conversation, and fosters a sense of security in knowing that his patients’ feelings are heard and validated. Dr. Bhatia makes himself available and accessible to his patients, and is extremely conscientious in responding to his patient’s needs in a timely manner, even doing so after regular office hours. I am personally grateful to him for his continued patience and support. Dr. Bhatia’s staff is courteous, takes their responsibilities seriously, ensures that communications reach the doctor, personally respond to emails, and consistently send appointment reminders and confirmations. Always a pleasant experience. I have never left his office with any doubts, or concerns.

Thank you!”

-M

“I am so happy that I found Dr. Bhatia. Good doctors in Miami are hard to find and he is definitely a gem. He is a genuine real person who listens to you and makes you feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns. He is a knowledgeable and innovative psychiatrist. He always responds in a prompt manner when I need something outside of my appointment date. He has definitely made a difference in life and I highly recommend him.”

-Melissa M

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