OCD:
Obsessions: These are recurrent, distressing, and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that come into your mind, causing anxiety and discomfort. These thoughts can be about a wide range of things, such as contamination, harm to yourself or others, or symmetry and order.
Compulsions: Compulsions are the actions or mental rituals that individuals with OCD feel they must do to relieve the distress caused by their obsessions. These actions can include things like excessive handwashing, checking locks, counting, or repeating certain words or phrases.
It’s important to note that these compulsions are often not connected logically to the obsession and may not realistically prevent the feared event. They are done to reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with the obsessions.
Common Features of OCD:
Time-consuming: These rituals can take up a lot of time, often interfering with daily life, work, and relationships.
Repetitive: People with OCD may feel compelled to repeat these behaviors over and over again, even when they know they don’t make sense.
Interferes with daily functioning: OCD can significantly impact your ability to function in your daily life because of the time and energy it consumes.
Causes distress: People with OCD often experience significant distress and anxiety because of their obsessions and compulsions.
It’s important to remember that having some occasional obsessive or compulsive thoughts doesn’t necessarily mean you have OCD. A diagnosis of OCD is made when these symptoms become chronic, severe, and interfere with your daily life.
Treatment for OCD typically involves a combination of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, often selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These treatments can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you ever feel that you might be struggling with symptoms of OCD, it’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide a proper diagnosis and guide you through appropriate treatment options. With multiple locations and telehealth options we can provide the necessary guidance and support near you.
Contact us to schedule an appointment
Contact us at Office@peaceBH.com or call us:
Miami, Florida Office: 305-600-3182,
Saco, Maine Office 207-200-4789
We will provide you with a link to your patient portal where you can view your next appointment, view billing, fill out rating scales, as well as complete intake forms. Your patient portal also provides a HIPAA compliant portal to communicate with your doctor(s).