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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that causes a person to have obsessive-compulsive behaviors. It’s a condition that often leaves individuals feeling powerless against these thoughts and/or urges. At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we’re here to help empower our patients to take control of their OCD tendencies so they can live more easily. For anyone struggling with the symptoms of this mental illness, help can be just one phone call away.
There are several treatment methods that can be used to treat OCD. The most common is prescription medication. However, we also offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine therapy.
TMS and ketamine therapy can be a great alternative to prescription medications when undesirable side effects take place. TMS is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the part of the brain associated with OCD symptoms. Ketamine therapy is an IV treatment that is known to reduce depressive and anxiety-related symptoms.
No matter which treatment option, our team will support each patient as we work to find a treatment that works for them.
OCD is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Research suggests that abnormalities in brain structure and function, particularly in areas involved in regulating anxiety and controlling impulses, may contribute to the development of OCD. Additionally, a family history of OCD or other mental health disorders can increase the risk.
Symptoms of OCD typically include persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety and lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce that anxiety. Common symptoms of OCD include:
Obsessions:
Fear of contamination or germs
Fear of harming oneself or others
Need for symmetry or order
Intrusive thoughts about violence or inappropriate behaviors
Compulsions:
Excessive hand-washing or cleaning
Repeated checking (e.g., doors, appliances)
Counting or arranging items in a specific order
Mental rituals (e.g., repeating phrases)
Several factors may contribute to the development of OCD, including a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental influences. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing OCD:
Family history
Brain structure and function
Stressful life events
Personality traits
Childhood infections
OCD is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by our board-certified psychiatrists. The diagnosis usually involves a detailed clinical interview where we assess the individual’s symptoms, history, and overall functioning. During this process, we look for the presence of obsessions, which are recurrent and intrusive thoughts,
and compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to alleviate anxiety. Assessments may also include questionnaires or rating scales to evaluate the severity of symptoms. This thorough approach helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and leads to an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs.
The exact causes of OCD are not known at this time; however, there do seem to be some common risk factors for the disorder. Those include:
For individuals who suspect they have obsessive-compulsive disorder, they may feel scared, alone, and even a little bit frustrated. Know though that help is right around the corner. The professionals at Serenity Mental Health Centers are here to help you learn how to manage your obsessive thoughts and control your compulsive behaviors. Take the first step toward managing OCD — we’re right here to help.
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