What is OCD?

 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that affects your thought processes and behaviors. People of all ages live with OCD, and its symptoms and signs can be intense and life-altering. Fortunately, you can manage OCD with adequate, client-centered mental health care at DMV Psychiatric Wellness.

 

Without treatment, the behaviors and thoughts that come with OCD can significantly impact your wellbeing. You might have trouble concentrating on tasks or leaving your home to begin with. In any case, treatment improves your symptoms and can help you stay present in your day-to-day life. 

 

What are the symptoms of OCD?

 

The primary symptoms of OCD are obsessions, which are recurrent thoughts that drive your behaviors. The behaviors resulting from your obsessions are called compulsions.

 

Individuals with OCD experience different obsessions and compulsions than others with the same disorder, but there are some commonalities. If you have OCD, your obsessions and compulsions are outside of your control, take up a significant amount of time, and cause anxiety when you don’t adhere to them. Here are some common examples of each:

 

Obsessions

 

Common thought patterns in OCD include fear of contamination, aggressive thoughts toward others or yourself, fixation on symmetry, and taboo thoughts. 

 

Compulsions

 

Common compulsions you might experience are excessive cleaning or washing your hands, counting, and organizing.

 

How can I manage my OCD?

 

At DMV Psychiatric Wellness,  we assess you and can make or verify a diagnosis of OCD. He then develops an individualized care plan for your condition that may involve in-person visits, telepsychiatry, or both types of care. 

 

Medications called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), which include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are effective in helping manage OCD for many individuals. DMV Psychiatric Wellness prescribes and manages your medications, ensuring you’re taking them correctly and experiencing improvements in symptoms. 

 

OCD also benefits from counseling or psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other related types. Therapy teaches you to recognize your obsessions and control your thoughts to manage your behaviors. 

 

 

For more information on OCD and treatment strategies, call DMV Psychiatric Wellness or book an appointment online today.