OCD

The preoccupations and urges obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes can take over your mind and rule your life. Contact the team of experts at Revive Holistic Psychiatry in Weymouth, Massachusetts, if you have OCD symptoms that are getting out of hand. They use medication and other treatments to reduce obsessions and help you manage compulsions. Call Revive Holistic Psychiatry today or book an in-person or telehealth appointment online for help overcoming OCD.

What is OCD?

People with OCD endure a constant flood of unwanted, often distressing thoughts, ideas, or feelings (obsessions). To reduce the hold obsessions have over you, you might develop compulsions — actions and rituals that you must perform to avoid severe anxiety.

Obsessions can develop about anything, but they’re frequently related to taboo subjects or involve thoughts that are out of character for you. Common obsessions include:

• Sexual acts
• Religion
• Germs and infection
• Precision and symmetry
• Violent behaviors

These intrusive thoughts often overwhelm healthy thinking and begin to dominate your life. The compulsions you develop in response stem from your desire to stop the obsessions controlling you.

What compulsions can OCD cause?

Some compulsions develop in response to the focus of your obsession. 

For example, if dirt and contamination are an obsession, one of your compulsions might be to wash your hands repeatedly in a particular way. Even when the continual washing makes your skin dry, crack, and bleed, you cannot stop.

Alternatively, compulsions may involve rituals like counting and checking. For instance, you may be unable to leave your bedroom without switching the lights on and off 15 times or feel compelled to recheck you’ve locked the house repeatedly.

If something prevents you from completing your rituals or you’re in a situation where you can’t control your environment (such as having a desk next to someone who’s very disorganized), you’re likely to get agitated.

You may develop physical symptoms like:

• Sweating
• Shaking
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fast breathing
• Nausea

Extreme distress could lead to a panic attack, where symptoms worsen alarmingly. These symptoms are also typical of conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), phobias, and social anxiety disorder.

How is OCD treated?

Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications can help many patients overcome OCD. Revive Holistic Psychiatry specializes in medication management, using gene testing to ensure you receive the drugs most likely to be beneficial for your genetic profile.

Psychotherapy, including techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is often helpful for OCD. Therapy helps you see your situation more realistically, manage unwanted thoughts, and develop strategies to overcome challenges. Vitamin and mineral supplements also benefit many patients.

Your provider works with you to find treatments that best support your brain health and boost focus and productivity. Telehealth is also available.

If you struggle with OCD, call Revive Holistic Psychiatry today or book an appointment online for expert treatment delivered with compassion.