OCD

Mood disorders come in many different forms, but all of them cause such severe disruption to your emotional well-being that they can make it tough to lead a gratifying and functional life. Stephanie Blanshan, PMHNP, FNP, and the team at Resonance Psychiatry specialize in diagnosing and treating mood disorders via telehealth. Find effective treatment solutions for your mood disorders and other mental health issues by calling Resonance Psychiatry or requesting an appointment online today. 

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a chronic mental health condition that has two key aspects: obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions are unwanted, unpleasant, and uncontrollable thoughts that intrude on your mind repeatedly, while compulsions are actions that you feel compelled to carry out, often many times over.

People who have OCD can have either obsessions or compulsions, or both at the same time. The symptoms of OCD can become so disruptive to daily life that they affect your ability to work, study, and maintain relationships with friends and family.

What thoughts become obsessions for people with OCD?

Obsessions are thoughts, ideas, and images in your mind that you can’t shake off and that make you anxious. Common examples of obsessions include:

• Fear of dirt and germs
• Intrusive, unwanted thoughts involving sex or religion
• Thoughts and images of violence and taboo activities
• Urges to commit violent actions or actions that are out of character

Obsessions that other people might notice or become aware of might include the need to have everything around you perfectly ordered and symmetrical.

What behaviors become compulsions for people with OCD?

Compulsions are actions that you feel unable to stop yourself from carrying out and are often a response to an obsessive thought. Common compulsions include:

• Excessive cleaning
• Repetitive handwashing
• Constant ordering of possessions
• Constantly checking that the oven is off or the door is locked
• Counting

Many people who have compulsions need to perform a ritual before leaving a room or building, such as turning a light switch off a set number of times.

What treatments are available for people who have OCD?

Your Resonance Psychiatry provider uses both medication and psychotherapy to help patients who have OCD. Medications such as the newer class of antidepressants known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), like fluoxetine, as well as older tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine, are effective for many patients. If these don’t help, some patients may respond to a course of atypical antipsychotic medications.

Psychotherapies such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) and habit reversal training can be very effective in treating patients who have OCD. A form of CBT called exposure and response prevention (EX/RP) is also effective in reducing compulsive behavior.

If you’re concerned about obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors that you can’t seem to control, call Resonance Psychiatry or book an appointment online today.