Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder of the mind where the individual gets recurring thoughts of doing the same tasks repeatedly. These could be washing hands, cleaning dishes, swabbing the floor, biting nails, etc. Such feelings or sensations are referred to as obsessive and its irresistible nature makes it compulsive to perform.

Severe OCD can make it impossible for the patients to function normally in everyday lives and requires expert care and management. RHS provides customized, highly effective treatment and management options for the patients so that they can keep their day to day lives unaffected by the condition.

Signs and Symptoms of OCD

OCD comprises both obsessions and compulsions. Anyone suffering from this doesn’t realize the excessiveness or the unreasonableness of these symptoms, but they end up interfering with one’s daily routine and are time consuming because they are done repeatedly.

The most common symptoms of OCD are:

Hand washing

Checking door locks repeatedly

Kissing, touching, and other sexual obsessions

Cleaning repeatedly

Picking the skin

Hair pulling

Turning switches on and off

Nail-biting

Causes of OCD

Though doctors aren’t sure why people suffer from OCD, it is proven that the condition is heightened by stress. OCD is more common in women than in men and both teens and adults may suffer from the condition.

The risk factors for OCD include:

Anxiety, depression, or muscular spasms

A sibling, parent, or child suffering from OCD

Physical differences in some specific parts of the brain

Traumatic experiences

Sexual or physical abuse in childhood

Children could suffer from OCD after a streptococcal infection. This is called Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders (PANDAS).

OCD Types

The three types of OCD are:

Primarily Obsessional:
Here, the individual experiences persistent and recurrent thoughts about tasks to be done.

Primarily Compulsions
The individual indulges in repetitive behaviors like counting, checking often, and hand washing.

Both
Both types described above

Treatment

OCD can be treated with medical support. In some cases, the mental disorder may not be completely cured but it could reduce the severity of the symptoms so that they don’t overtake the individual. Psychotherapy and medications are the best treatments for OCD when given in combination.

Psychotherapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is most effective for those with OCD. Patients control their anxiety with this therapy.

Medication:
Doctors prescribe medication that controls one’s compulsions and obsessions, generally antidepressants.

Transcranial magnetic Stimulation:
In severe case of OCD where the patient fails to find relief through medication and psychotherapy, we offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy to help them manage their OCD.

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The Reliance Experience

Located in Richland, Washington, RHS is a leading institute for mental healthcare in the Tri-Cities area. Here, we provide personalized treatment and care to patients suffering from various mental health conditions to help them get back on their feet. With the right tools and the right choice of treatment under the right experts, we provide relief to patients with even the most complex of conditions. Our selfless work ethic is what makes us distinctive and our dedicated service and integrity continue to be our guiding principles.