OCD

What is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?

OCD is a diagnosable mental health disorder affecting your thoughts and behaviors. It’s characterized by unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). 

While not necessarily a cause for concern, OCD thoughts and behaviors may interfere with completing even simple everyday tasks and maintaining healthy social interactions. 

Treatment at Centered Behavioral Health & Wellness offers symptom relief and an enhanced quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of OCD?

ODC symptoms include:

• Intrusive, unwanted, or irrational thoughts
• Fear of causing harm to others or yourself
• Fear of making mistakes
• Need for orderliness, perfection, or constant reassurance
• Excessive concerns about morality
• Arranging canned goods all the same way
• Continuously checking for locked doors or turned-off stoves
• Fear of dirt or germs
• Refusing to shake hands or touch doorknobs
• Hoarding items
• Rituals like counting or doing tasks a certain number of times
• Repeating words or phrases

Your symptoms may be constant or come and go over time. 

Some people with OCD experience psychotic episodes, which are disorders causing abnormal perceptions and thinking. They may lose touch with reality and struggle with hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) or delusions (false beliefs).

What are the risk factors for OCD?

The cause of OCD isn’t entirely clear, but the following may increase your risk:

• Genetics (family history of OCD)
• Brain changes
• Learned OCD behavior patterns
• Having a neurological condition like Tourette’s syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, or epilepsy
• Childhood trauma (abuse, neglect, etc.)
• History of strep throat or scarlet fever

About half of people with OCD develop symptoms during childhood or their teenage years. 

How is OCD diagnosed?

Dr. Lowe diagnoses OCD by completing a comprehensive mental health evaluation. He discusses your health history, medications, lifestyle habits, thoughts, behaviors, moods, and emotions using DSM-5 criteria. 

He takes a holistic and research-backed approach to treating OCD and other mental health disorders. 

How is OCD treated?

Your customized OCD treatment plan at Centered Behavioral Health & Wellness may consist of:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy
• Other forms of psychotherapy (talk therapy)
• Medication management
• Meditation
• Healthy lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, etc.)
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) referrals

Dr. Lowe also offers medical weight loss with medications if you struggle to achieve body weight goals. He follows up to ensure your treatment plan is effective and is always available to address questions and concerns. 

Schedule an OCD evaluation at Centered Behavioral Health & Wellness by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.