Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is far more than being organized or liking things neat. It's a serious condition characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause intense anxiety, and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce that anxiety. These obsessions and compulsions consume significant time and energy, interfering with daily activities, work, and relationships. People with OCD often recognize that their thoughts and behaviors are excessive, but feel powerless to stop them.

Understanding the Condition

Obsessions are persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive and unwanted. Common themes include fear of contamination, fear of harming oneself or others, need for symmetry or exactness, forbidden or taboo thoughts, and aggressive or horrific images. These thoughts cause significant distress and anxiety. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions, intended to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event. Common compulsions include excessive washing or cleaning, checking (locks, appliances, that nothing bad happened), counting, ordering and arranging, and seeking reassurance.

The cycle of OCD is exhausting. An intrusive thought triggers intense anxiety, which drives a compulsive behavior to neutralize the thought or prevent a feared outcome. The compulsion provides temporary relief, but this reinforces the cycle, making the obsessions and compulsions stronger over time. OCD is caused by a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors, and it's a condition that requires specialized treatment.

Our Treatment Approach

We begin with a thorough assessment to understand your specific obsessions, compulsions, and how OCD affects your life. Many people with OCD have suffered in silence, feeling ashamed or misunderstood, so we provide a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss your experiences openly. Treatment for OCD typically includes medication—usually SSRIs at higher doses than used for depression—which can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessions and compulsions.

We also provide education about OCD and the importance of resisting compulsions, even though this feels impossibly difficult at first. While we primarily focus on medication management, we can coordinate with therapists who specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold standard psychotherapy for OCD. This approach involves gradually exposing you to feared situations while resisting the urge to perform compulsions, helping to break the OCD cycle. Throughout treatment, we monitor your progress and adjust medications as needed to optimize your results.

Break Free from OCD

OCD can feel like a prison, but with the right treatment, recovery is possible. You can reduce the power of intrusive thoughts and break free from time-consuming rituals. Many people with OCD experience significant improvement and are able to reclaim their time, energy, and peace of mind. If OCD is controlling your life, we're here to help you fight back. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and begin your journey toward freedom from OCD.