OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects between 2-3 million American adults, resulting in obsessive thoughts and/or uncontrollable, compulsive behaviors. At CareStop Behavioral Health in Warner Robins, Georgia, Terrill Cooper, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, provides complete care for OCD using a holistic and patient-centered approach. Call CareStop Behavioral Health to schedule OCD treatment, or book your appointment online today. 

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted thoughts and/or behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions could worsen over time, affecting your ability to work, do hobbies, or build relationships.

People with OCD feel compelled to perform certain acts or behaviors to ease their stress. Even if you try to avoid these compulsions, they come back time and time again, affecting your health and quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of OCD?

OCD symptoms may include:

• Fear of germs or contamination
• Having a hard time dealing with uncertainty
• Needing things to be orderly and balanced
• Frightening thoughts about losing control and/or harming yourself and others
• Unwanted thoughts about violent, sexual, or religious subjects

Without treatment, these thoughts can take over your life, causing you to perform compulsive behaviors. For example, you might wash your hands over and over again, silently repeat words or phrases, or organize your pantry into a specific pattern.

When should I seek help for OCD?

Make an appointment at CareStop Behavioral Health if you have obsessions or compulsions that interfere with your routine or affect your quality of life. There’s a difference between being a perfectionist and having OCD, but if you experience excessive worries, it’s a good idea to get checked out. Various treatments can provide lasting symptom relief.

How is OCD diagnosed?

Cooper reviews your medical records and asks about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. He completes a psychological exam and has you fill out a questionnaire.

With OCD, you might spend up to an hour or more each day worrying and/or performing obsessive behaviors. This can drain your energy and keep you from important activities, increasing your risk of an anxiety disorder and depression. Cooper evaluates you for these and other mental health conditions during your OCD evaluation.

How is OCD treated?

Dr. Cooper treats OCD using a conservative and holistic approach. He could suggest:

• Talk therapy (counseling) to help manage your obsessions and compulsions
• Prescription antidepressants
• Prescription anti-anxiety medication
• Improved sleep hygiene
• Stress management activities (for example, deep breathing and meditation)
• Regular exercise
• Online resources through Better YOUniversity

Many people with OCD need very personalized care. OCD affects everyone differently, and it doesn’t always improve with medication. Therefore, Dr. Cooper recommends a patient-centered approach, emphasizing lifestyle changes, counseling, and routine checkups.

If Cooper determines you can benefit from medication, he initiates treatment with the lowest possible dose. Afterward, he closely monitors your symptoms, watching for potential side effects and adverse reactions.

Cooper might refer you to a nearby facility for deep brain stimulation (DBS) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) If your symptoms continue or worsen. These noninvasive therapies use electrodes and magnetic pulses to activate areas of the brain responsible for impulsive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

Call CareStop Behavioral Health to schedule OCD treatment, or book your appointment online today.