OCD
OCD Treatment in Southern California
Many of us have habits and rituals that bring us comfort. From our morning or bedtime routine to indulging in certain superstitions, these behaviors can give us a sense of familiarity and structure. However, for those with obsessive-compulsive disorder, often referred to as OCD, ritualistic habits and behaviors take on a different significance. OCD involves persistent and intrusive thoughts that can lead to the need to perform repetitive, irrational and time-consuming actions that cause mental distress and significantly interfere with daily life.
OCD Q&A
What is OCD?
OCD is a complex mental health condition characterized by recurring, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions). According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 2 to 3 percent of adults have this condition. A person with OCD will experience unwanted thoughts that they are unable to control, which prompt an uncontrollable urge to perform a specific behavior. Acting on the urge helps quiet the obsessive thought and provides temporary relief from feelings of distress.
What are the symptoms of OCD?
OCD can manifest in several ways, such as excessive hand washing, checking to make sure the door is locked or arranging things in a particular way. While most people have performed similar actions at one time or another, for those with OCD, these rituals aren’t a personal choice. Rather, they are disruptive, difficult-to-control behaviors that complicate daily life.
The symptoms of OCD can be classified into two main categories:
- Obsessions: intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses that cause distress. These thoughts are often unwanted, and individuals with OCD typically find them illogical or inconsistent with their true beliefs.
- Compulsions: repetitive behaviors or mental acts aimed at neutralizing or preventing the distress caused by obsessions. Individuals with OCD engage in these compulsions to alleviate anxiety or prevent harm.
How is OCD diagnosed?
OCD is diagnosed with evidence-based scales and DSM-5 criteria during a 60-90 minute initial medical exam. A patient’s medical history is also gathered and reviewed, and interviews are sometimes performed to gain insights into a patient’s symptoms.
How is OCD treated?
Anxiety often makes it difficult to function and undergoing tests to identify and treat an anxiety disorder may feel overwhelming. At Achieve Concierge, we believe anxiety disorders are best treated with a comprehensive approach tailored to an individual’s needs, so our clinicians may recommend a combination of psychotherapy, mindfulness techniques, lifestyle changes, medication, and other therapies for symptom relief and improved mental wellness. Some of our specific offerings include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic psychotherapy: Psychotherapy for depression involves meeting with a mental health counselor to discuss depression symptoms and how to cope with them.
- Psychopharmacology: Medication treatment for depression involves the use of antidepressant, anti-anxiety, or antipsychotic medications to manage depression symptoms.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
988: Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for 24/7 emotional support.
911: If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.
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- (858) 221-0344
- coordinator@achieveconcierge.com
- 5060 Shoreham Place Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92122, United States
