Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD can affect your life whether you have mild or severe symptoms. Read on to learn more about obsessive-compulsive disorder, and discover treatments that can help you thrive with this condition.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition defined by having persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that you feel driven to perform. This disorder can affect anyone, and it can impact your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

At Ketamine Health & Wellness Clinics of Ohio, we’re a team of specialists who understand the complexities of OCD. We also provide groundbreaking treatment for the condition. Here, we explore the topic.

OCD explained

The hallmark of OCD lies in its intrusive thoughts, which can be distressing, irrational, and persistent. These thoughts often provoke intense anxiety, leading you to engage in compulsive behaviors as a means to alleviate your anxiety or prevent perceived negative outcomes.

For instance, you might have obsessions about cleanliness and germs that lead you to compulsively wash your hands or clean your surroundings excessively.

Looking at OCD through a compassionate lens

Our team understands that the obsessions and compulsions associated with OCD aren’t merely habits or personal preferences but are instead unwanted and distressing experiences that significantly disrupt your life. These behaviors can consume a considerable amount of your time, interfering with your daily activities, work, and relationships.

OCD ranges from mild to severe, and its symptoms can fluctuate over time. The exact cause of OCD isn’t fully known. However, a combination of genetic, neurological, environmental, and psychological factors is believed to contribute to its development.

Treatment for OCD

Popular treatments for OCD typically involve therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapeutic approach that helps you recognize your thoughts and behaviors and learn healthier ways to cope.

Prescription medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help manage symptoms by altering neurotransmitter levels in your brain.

At our practice, we provide psychiatric medication management alongside innovative ketamine infusions. This groundbreaking IV treatment enhances the activity of glutamate, which is a key brain chemical that affects your mood and anxiety.

This treatment offers swift relief, potentially halting obsessions and compulsions within hours. Studies show that many patients found relief from OCD symptoms midway through ketamine infusions, with effects lasting days or weeks.

Additional help

We highly recommend seeking support and understanding from family, friends, and the community as a way to help you cope with OCD. Creating an environment free from judgment and stigma is essential for navigating the challenges of OCD.

We also provide education about OCD to foster empathy and awareness. We can help others understand that you’re a person dealing with a condition, but that it doesn’t mean you’re solely defined by it.

Patience, compassion, and encouragement can make a significant difference in your journey toward managing and overcoming OCD.

Next steps

If you suffer from OCD, we’re here for you. We recognize the distressing nature of obsessions and compulsions and understand the impact this condition can have on your life.

Through proper treatment and support, we can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life that demonstrates resilience and strength in your ongoing battle against OCD.