OCD

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If you have fearful, repetitive, unwanted thoughts or behaviors, you may suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is a complex, chronic condition that requires empathic, knowledgeable care, which is what you receive when you choose Raelin Bright Wellness. At the practice, experienced psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) Dominique Sanders, PhD, PMHNP, offers telepsychiatry in the privacy of your own home. The psychiatric-mental health provider meets patients via virtual chat in Las Vegas and throughout the states of Nevada and Seattle, Washington, Phoenix and Tuscon, Arizona and Los Angeles California. If you struggle with obsessive thoughts or behaviors, call or book an appointment online today to begin your journey to better mental health.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that causes extreme anxiety due to repetitive thoughts that compel you toward obsessive behaviors. These behaviors, like hand-washing or tapping, are an effort to relieve the stress created by fearful thought patterns.

Uncontrolled, repetitive thoughts and behaviors can interfere with life, work, relationships, and school. While there are sometimes symptoms of OCD present in children, usually, this condition manifests itself in adolescence or young adulthood. 

What are the symptoms of OCD?

Symptoms of OCD begin with a mental fixation that usually centers on a theme. Unwanted, anxiety-inducing thoughts may be related to:

• Contamination of germs or dirt
• Unsafe environments
• Disorder or things out of place
• Harm to yourself or others
• Religious practice
• Sexual behaviors

These thoughts can create extreme anxiety as they do not go away. To calm this anxiety, you may feel compelled to perform certain behaviors. These behaviors may be:

• Washing hands
• Locking doors or checking the stove
• Organizing or re-organizing items 
• Pulling hair or causing pain to self
• Counting in specific patterns
• Counting items around you
• Repeating words or phrases

Symptoms of OCD can vary. They may worsen as you age or during extreme stress. Consistent, long-term treatment can help relieve your symptoms. 

What treatments are available for OCD?

OCD can be a challenging diagnosis to accept and condition to manage. It is not curable, but you can manage your symptoms with proper, long-term treatment. Treatments are focused on helping you gain control of the anxiety related to your obsessive thoughts and prevent the need for you to perform compulsive behaviors. 

The two main treatments for OCD are: 

Medications

Antidepressants and psychiatric medications are used to fix the chemical imbalance that may be causing this condition. 

Psychotherapy 

Psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy, is used to help you manage your thoughts, anxiety, and harmful behaviors. Often, this treatment method involves you, your family, or other sufferers of OCD. 

Dominique is committed to providing trustworthy, compassionate, and understanding long-term care so that you can live your best life possible with OCD.

For a consultation regarding your OCD, call or book an appointment online today!