OCD

OCD causes recurring thoughts that affect how you behave and feel about certain ideas and situations. Fortunately, treatment is within reach at Blue Water Psychiatry in Mesa, Arizona. Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners Justin McKinley, PMHNP-BC, Susan Bowen, PMHNP-BC, and their caring staff diagnose and treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to get your life back on track. Call the office or book an appointment online to learn more about OCD. 

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

OCD is a mental health condition that causes obsessive thoughts and compulsions, which are repetitive, ritualistic behaviors. While sometimes OCD is harmless, other times it interferes with your ability to effectively complete daily activities, do job tasks, or maintain healthy relationships. 

What are the common symptoms of OCD?

The common symptoms associated with OCD include:

• Bothersome, persistent thought patterns
• Obsessions
• Repetitive routines 
• Distressing thoughts
• Inability to control compulsions
• Anxiety or fears

If you have OCD, you often have intrusive thoughts that are hard to control. Some examples include constantly washing your hands or having constant fears about forgetting to lock doors or turning off the stove. You might have extreme organizational skills or be constantly worried about reducing germs, dirt, and messes.

What are the risk factors for OCD?

The cause of OCD isn’t known, but it could be due to brain chemistry or learned behaviors. The most common OCD risk factors include:

• Family history of OCD
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Tic disorders
• Stressful life events

How is OCD diagnosed?

To find out if you have OCD, the Blue Water Psychiatry team reviews your medical history, medications, lifestyle habits, and symptoms in detail. They complete a comprehensive evaluation by asking questions about your thought and behavior patterns. 

Blue Water Psychiatry also offers pharmacogenomic testing to determine how your genetic makeup might affect the effectiveness of certain medications. For patients with severe OCD, you may need antidepressants or other medicines. 

How is OCD treated?

Treatment for OCD is tailored to your lifestyle and goals. The Blue Water Psychiatry team often combines medications with positive lifestyle changes and psychotherapy (talk therapy). During therapy, they teach you ways to change thought or behavior patterns to reduce OCD symptoms. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is another helpful technique that may help you cope better with situations. It focuses on exposing you to your OCD triggers and gradually improving your response to them. 

The Blue Water Psychiatry team tailors each treatment based on your unique needs and makes changes to your plan whenever necessary. To find out more about their expertise in treating OCD, call the office or book a consultation online today.