OCD Treatment Altamonte Springs, FL

Symptoms of OCD

Though most patients with OCD have both obsessions and compulsions, is possible to have only obsessions or only compulsions. For many patients, their obsessions and compulsions have become so normalized that they do not realize they are excessive or unreasonable. In reality, these issues take on a great deal of time and interfere with activities of daily living, along with social, school, or work functioning.

Obsessions

Obsessions in OCD are intrusive, distressing, repetitive, persistent, and unwanted images, thoughts, or urges. Patients may try to ignore obsessions or purge them by performing a compulsive behavior or ritual. Still, OCD obsessions are likely to intrude when the patient is trying to think of or do other things.

Common themes of obsessions include fear of contamination or dirt, needing things orderly and symmetrical, doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty, aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control, and harming oneself or others.

Compulsions

OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors or thoughts that a patient feels compelled to perform. In either case, the compulsions are meant to reduce any obsession-related anxiety and to prevent something bad from happening. Unfortunately, performing these compulsions brings no pleasure. Any relief they bring from anxiety is only temporary. Some patients may make up rules or rituals to follow to help control their anxiety when not having obsessive thoughts.

These are excessive compulsions that are usually not realistically related to the problem they are meant to fix. Common themes of compulsions include:

• Washing and cleaning
• Counting things often
• Needing things in a specific order
• Checking something repeatedly
• Following a strict routine
• Demanding reassurance

Early-Occurring Symptoms

OCD can start in childhood, but it usually begins in the teen or young adult years. Symptoms will appear gradually and tend to vary in severity throughout life. Patients may also experience different types of obsessions and compulsions over time. In some cases, symptoms typically worsen when experiencing greater stress.

Usually considered a lifelong disorder, OCD may have mild to moderate symptoms or severe, disabling ones. In any case, patients should seek professional attention if their obsessions or compulsions are affecting their quality of life in any way.

Diagnosing OCD

There may be several steps involved in diagnosing OCD, including a psychological evaluation using diagnostic criteria for OCD and a physical exam. A psychological evaluation may involve discussing any thoughts, feelings, symptoms, and behavior patterns the patient may have to determine if they are dealing with obsessions or compulsive behaviors interfering with their quality of life. Some patients may also give their doctor permission to talk to their family or friends about such behaviors.

Furthermore, the psychological evaluation will likely be using the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. A physical exam may be necessary to rule out any other problems that could be causing the symptoms or to check for any related complications.

Diagnosing OCD can sometimes be difficult as the symptoms can be similar to several other mental health conditions. These include anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and other mental health disorders. It is also possible to have OCD and one or more mental health disorders at the same time. As such, it is imperative that patients work together with their doctors to make sure they get the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Types of OCD Treatment

Though OCD treatment may not result in a cure, it can help control symptoms, so they no longer rule one's daily life. The type of treatment one needs depends on how severe the symptoms are. The two main types of treatment for OCD are psychotreatment and medications, with a combination of the two often being the most successful.

Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) is a type of psychotreatment commonly used for persons with OCD. There is a component of CBT known as exposure and response prevention (ERP). In ERP, the patient is gradually exposed to a feared object or obsession. The therapist will then help the patient learn healthy ways to resist the urge to perform their compulsive rituals.

Certain psychiatric medications can help control OCD obsessions and compulsions. Antidepressants are most commonly tried first. Common antidepressants include clomipramine (Anafranil), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), and sertraline (Zoloft). Other antidepressants and psychiatric medications may also help. When choosing a medication, there are several factors to consider, including side effects and drug interactions. A doctor can help discuss these factors in detail with each patient.

At times, psychotreatment and medications are not sufficient to control OCD symptoms. In such cases, other options may be explored. For example, people with treatment-resistant cases may want to consider intensive outpatient and residential treatment programs, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Benefits of OCD Treatment

Since symptoms tend to get in the way of one's everyday life, there are several reasons why one may want to seek treatment for OCD. Alleviating one's symptoms can help greatly improve one's social life, professional life, school life, and more. For best results, patients may want to combine different treatment modalities, such as medication and CBT.

According to the International OCD Foundation, medication is a generally effective treatment for OCD. Additionally, approximately seven out of 10 people with OCD will benefit either from medication or ERP. Patients who benefit from medication also typically see their OCD symptoms reduced by 40% to 60%. However, medication must be taken regularly and as directed for it to work. Patients experiencing side effects should bring them up with their doctor so they can be addressed. It may be necessary to change the medication dosage or to change the medication altogether.