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OCD

OCD services offered in Boynton Beach, FL


Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes an ongoing cycle of distressing, anxiety-causing thoughts followed by repetitive behaviors, creating a cycle that consumes an hour or more of your time every day. The mental health professionals at MindSpa Psychiatry specialize in treating OCD, providing comprehensive care to adults living anywhere in Florida through telemedicine visits. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Boynton Beach, Florida, or request one online today.

OCD Q&A

What is OCD?

OCD causes unwanted, uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions). Your obsessions cause severe anxiety, compelling you to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors (compulsions).

Your compulsive behaviors may temporarily relieve the anxiety, but sooner or later, the intrusive thoughts return. Then you once again perform the behaviors. This ongoing cycle of obsessions and compulsions consumes a substantial amount of time, running from one hour to most of the day, depending on the severity of your OCD.

What thoughts occur due to OCD?

You could have one of many obsessive thoughts. A few of the most common include:

  • Fear of germs
  • Fear of being harmed
  • Need for order or symmetry
  • Disturbing sexual thoughts
  • Thoughts of violence or aggression
  • Meaningless sounds, music, or words

Though most people realize obsessions are only in their minds and that the thoughts are excessive and unreasonable, they can’t stop them from recurring.

What compulsive behaviors occur due to OCD?

You may repeat the same phrase, count, or go up and down stairs. However, many people have compulsions that follow the general theme of their obsessions. Here are a few examples:

 

Fear of germs

If you obsess over germs, you may keep washing your hands, taking showers, or repeatedly applying hand sanitizer.

 

Fear of being harmed

Obsessive thoughts revolving around the fear of being harmed may cause behaviors such as constantly checking to be sure the stove is turned off or that your doors and windows are locked. You know you just checked, but you’re driven to do it again.

 

Need for order and symmetry

You may constantly rearrange items on a shelf or move furniture to be sure everything is in perfect order.

 

How is OCD treated?

Your provider at MindSpa Psychiatry learns about your symptoms and the amount of time you spend consumed by obsessions and compulsions. Then they complete a psychiatric evaluation to verify you have OCD.

Your treatment plan may include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). OCD is frequently treated with medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Though SSRIs are anti-depressants, they’re also effective for OCD.

Several types of CBT effectively treat OCD, helping to break the connection between obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. 

The team at MindSpa Psychiatry has helped many adults overcome OCD. Call the office or request an appointment online today to get the personalized care you need.v