OCD Specialist

What is OCD?

OCD is a mental health disorder that causes persistent and distressing thoughts and fears (obsessions) that you attempt to soothe with ritualistic behaviors (compulsions). The condition is progressive and can severely disrupt your life when left untreated. 

What are the signs of OCD?

Obsessions and compulsions are the two defining symptoms of OCD. Obsessions are the repeated thoughts, mental images, and urges that cause fear and anxiety. 

Your obsessions drive you to compulsions, the repetitive, ritualistic behaviors that temporarily soothe your worries.

Obsessions

Everyone has unique obsessions, but common themes include:

• Contamination and germs
  
• Taboo thoughts about sex, religion, or harm
  
• Safety of self, family, and loved ones
  
• Aggressive or violent thoughts toward self or others
  
• Need for order or symmetry

Obsessions are often uncontrollable, even when you recognize that your fears are unfounded or excessive. 

Compulsions

Compulsions are also specific to the individual, but there are some prevalent types of ritualistic behaviors, such as:

• Excessive cleaning of yourself or your environment
  
• Counting
  
• Ordering or rearranging things in a precise way
  
• Repeatedly checking things such as turning off the oven or locking the door
  
• Touching or tapping
  
• Silent or verbal phrases or prayers

While compulsions soothe your obsessive thoughts, the relief is temporary. Over time, you end up spending more time completing your compulsive behaviors, which interferes with your life. 

When should I talk to a mental health care provider about OCD?

While everyone has negative thoughts and specific behaviors or routines, obsessions are highly distressing, and compulsions can severely disrupt your life. When you have OCD, your thoughts and actions are uncontrollable and upsetting. 

You should make an appointment at Instic Health if your OCD thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interfere with your ability to function or the overall quality of your life. 

Some of the signs that you need help include spending an hour or more every day on your obsessions or compulsions or having problems in your life because of your thoughts and ritualistic actions.

How do you treat OCD?

Instic Health begins with a comprehensive assessment of your condition. They work with you to create and implement a holistic treatment plan. 

Depending on your needs, they might prescribe medication and provide a referral to therapy. Medication can regulate your brain chemistry and relieve your symptoms while you learn different techniques to cope with stress, fear, and negative thoughts in counseling.

They might also recommend some lifestyle changes to improve your physical health, making it easier to manage OCD symptoms.

Call Instic Health or book an appointment online today if you’re concerned about OCD or feel your mental health adversely affects your life.