OCD

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

OCD is a mental health disorder associated with compulsions (repetitive behaviors) and obsessions (recurring or unwanted thoughts). Mild cases aren’t necessarily a cause for concern, but severe OCD can cause problems at work, in relationships, or at school when left untreated. See Evan at the first sign of OCD symptoms that negatively affect your way of life.

Which symptoms can OCD cause?

OCD is often characterized by the following symptoms:

• Persistent, unwanted, or horrific thoughts
• Fear of germs or dirt
• Problems dealing with uncertainty
• Needing a strict routine and extreme orderliness
• Excessive cleaning, counting, or checking
• Constantly washing your hands
• Arranging canned goods the same way
• Always checking for locked doors or a turned-off stove
• Not touching doorknobs or shaking hands
• Demanding reassurance
• Hoarding
• Problems sleeping
• Panic attacks

OCD symptom severity varies. It’s typically diagnosed during adolescence or young adulthood. 

What may increase the risk of OCD?

OCD risk factors may include:

• Learned behaviors from family or friends
• Genetics
• Brain changes
• Stressful events
• Family history of OCD
• Other mental health disorders

OCD may be linked to depression, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), tic disorders, or substance use disorder (SUD).

How is OCD diagnosed?

Evan and the team diagnose OCD by completing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. They discuss your lifestyle habits, current medications, and medical history. Using DSM-5 criteria, they ask about your emotions, thoughts, moods, and behaviors. They also use Genomind genetic testing for medication recommendations when clinically appropriate.

Evan determines if you have OCD or another mental health disorder that would benefit from treatment, and which solution is best.

How is OCD treated?

Evan may recommend the following to reduce bothersome OCD symptoms:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
• Psychoeducation
• Group therapy 
• Other types of therapy
• Medication management
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) referrals
• Healthy lifestyle education 

What makes OCD treatment unique at Sunshine Mental Wellness Associates Inc. is Evan’s precision-driven, evidence-based approach to medication management. He considers past trials, sensitivities, co-occurring conditions, and your comfort level. Evan tailors a thoughtful plan that reduces intrusive thoughts and improves daily functioning.

It’s also helpful to stay active, have a strong social support network, eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, and minimize stress and trauma. 

Schedule a virtual OCD evaluation at Sunshine Mental Wellness Associates Inc. by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.