Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a challenging and often misunderstood mental health condition that can significantly interfere with work, school, relationships, and overall functioning. At Peak Interactive Wellness in Denver, Colorado, the experienced psychiatric team offers flexible solutions for this complex disorder through evidence-based therapies, emerging treatments, and telemedicine appointment options. Call the practice today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an ongoing mental health condition characterized by persistent, recurrent thoughts (obsessions) and uncontrollable behaviors (compulsions). Obsessions cause intense anxiety that only performing ritualistic behaviors, or compulsions, can relieve. This relief is temporary and often leads to a cycle that is difficult to break.
These intrusive thoughts and repetitive actions can significantly interfere with your daily functioning, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life.
Many people with OCD have obsessions and compulsions, but some only experience one or the other. Obsessions are intrusive thoughts that typically occur without warning. While many types of obsessions exist, common themes include:
Compulsions are behaviors you can act out to relieve anxiety from obsessions. Examples include excessive hand-washing, obsessively checking door locks, constant cleaning, and arranging items in a particular way.
Researchers believe that genetics, personal experiences, and certain personality traits can increase your risk of OCD. Common risk factors for OCD include:
Most people develop OCD during childhood or early adulthood. The onset of symptoms typically occurs before age 40.
Effectively treating OCD typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications that may include:
Commonly called “talk therapy,” psychotherapy aims to help you manage OCD symptoms. The most common type, exposure and response prevention (ERP), is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that gradually exposes you to obsessions without acting out compulsions.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine or sertraline, increase serotonin levels in the brain to help regulate mood and decrease obsessive thoughts.
Ketamine is an anesthetic shown to offer rapid antidepressant and antianxiety effects. When delivered directly into the bloodstream intravenously, ketamine therapy may help calm anxiety symptoms associated with OCD.
OCD is a complex condition that requires a dynamic approach to treatment. Call Peak Interactive Wellness today or schedule an appointment online to get the care you deserve.