OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects two in 100 people in the United States. If obsessions and compulsions are negatively affecting you, turn to Anywhere Wellness, based in Everett and Chelan, Washington; Boise, Idaho; Denver, Colorado; and Jacksonville, Florida. The experienced mental health specialists diagnose and treat OCD to ease symptoms and support a better quality of life. Schedule a virtual evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today. 

What is OCD?

OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a mental health concern causing unwanted images, thoughts, or urges (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can negatively interfere with your daily routine. Left untreated, OCD might affect your job, relationships, grades at school, or your overall mental health. 

You might recognize OCD thoughts and behaviors as problematic, but feel unable to eliminate them without support. 

What are the symptoms of OCD?

OCD symptoms can include:

• Fear of making mistakes
• Doubting a partner’s affection
• Fear of terrible things happening
• Fear of germs or dirt
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or other people
• Urge for symmetry, neatness, and orderliness
• Arranging canned goods facing the same way
• Constantly counting
• Always checking for turned-off stoves or locked doors
• Undesirable sexual thoughts
• Focus on breathing, heart rate, or similar bodily functions
• Need for a strict routine
• Repetitive behaviors
• Not shaking hands or touching doorknobs
• Repeating words or phrases in your head
• Excessive hand washing and house cleaning
• Mental rituals
• Reassurance-seeking behaviors

OCD symptoms and their severity vary from person to person. 

What increases the risk of OCD?

OCD risk factors might include:

• Family history of OCD
• Learned behaviors from other people
• Stress
• Abuse
• Neglect
• Brain changes
• Detail-oriented personality traits
• Other mental health disorders

Having a tic disorder, anxiety, depression, or substance use disorder (SUD) might increase your chance of being diagnosed with OCD. The condition is often diagnosed during the teenage years or early adulthood.

How is OCD diagnosed?

Your Anywhere Wellness provider completes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to assess your symptoms, their severity, and any co-occurring mental health conditions. They evaluate your thoughts, emotions, moods, behaviors, and lifestyle using DSM-5 criteria to determine which treatment may be the most appropriate. 

Anywhere Wellness also offers genetic testing to establish the most effective medications based on your genes. 

How is OCD treated?

Your personalized OCD treatment plan may consist of:

• Medication management
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Psychoeducation
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
• Referrals for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Lifestyle changes

OCD at Anywhere Wellness can reduce symptom intensity to help you flourish in relationships, at home, or in school. Your mental health specialist can also treat any co-existing conditions. 

Schedule a telehealth OCD evaluation at Anywhere Wellness by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.