OCD

What is OCD?

OCD is a mental health concern characterized by obsessive thoughts or compulsive behavior patterns. While mild cases usually aren’t cause for concern, more severe cases of OCD (when left untreated) may prevent you from enjoying your favorite daily activities or being effective at work or in school. See the experts at Monumental Health Partners at the first sign of a problem.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

OCD can cause the following symptoms:

• Obsessive thoughts
• Repetitive behaviors
• Fear of germs or dirt
• Extreme orderliness
• Constantly checking for locked doors or a turned-off stove
• Arranging canned goods all the same way
• Frequent hand washing
• Unwanted or intrusive thoughts
• Hoarding items
• Constantly seeking reassurance 
• Rituals involving numbers or counting

Some OCD symptoms interfere with social interactions or your ability to complete simple activities of daily life. 

What are the risk factors for OCD?

About half of the people with OCD experience initial symptoms during childhood or the teenage years. Risk factors include a family history of OCD, brain changes, having strep throat as a child, childhood trauma (abuse, neglect, etc.), neurological disorders, and learned behaviors by family members or friends. 

How is OCD diagnosed?

Diagnosing OCD at Monumental Health Partners requires a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This involves addressing questions about your moods, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors using DSM-5-TR criteria to determine if you have OCD, other mental health conditions, or multiple mental health concerns. Genetic testing for medication options is available upon request.

How is OCD treated?

Treating OCD at Monumental Health Partners may consist of making lifestyle adjustments, taking medications, or trying multiple treatments to help you overcome problematic behaviors or thoughts and enhance your quality of life. 

You might meet with a therapist weekly or as needed to complete cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), other forms of therapy, or mindfulness techniques like meditation, massage, and yoga. 

It’s also helpful to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and minimize stressful situations. 

Schedule an in-person or telehealth OCD evaluation at Monumental Health Partners by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.