Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that can get in the way of one’s functioning; symptoms take up a great deal of time, reduce one’s quality of life, and get in the way of their daily routines and responsibilities. OCD is split into two components: Obsessions and/or compulsions both of which include patterns of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Ultimately these unwanted thoughts are the driving force behind repetitive behaviors, leading to rituals.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of OCD, impacting your quality of life, it may be time to seek out OCD treatment in San Diego.
Diagnosis
OCD is often misunderstood and trivialized which people reporting that they have OCD simply because they are organized however, OCD is a serious, and often debilitating condition.
An OCD diagnosis is given after a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a mental health professional. By speaking to a psychiatrist in San Diego, you will be asked detailed questions about your medical, psychiatric, and family history. You will be asked to describe symptoms including the frequency, intensity, and duration of these symptoms. It will be important to identify the impact symptoms have on your daily functioning.
The criteria from Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorder (DMS-5) is used to determine an OCD diagnosis. It is understood that in OCD, an individual experiences the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. These are time consuming, taking more than one hour a day or causing clinically significant distress in social, occasional, or ither important areas of functioning. It is important to rule out any substance use or medical conditions, and ensue that symptom are not better explained by another psychiatric disorder.
Providers may also use standardized tools such as Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) or the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI) to aid in the diagnosis of OCD.
Treatment
Managing OCD is a lifelong journey, involving a combination of therapy, medication, and self-care strategies.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works by identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors as there is understanding that our thoughts (cognitions), feelings (emotions), and behaviors are interconnected. When common cognitive distortions are identified, then individuals can work on challenging and reframing their thoughts but questioning it such as “what evidence do I have for this?”
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is even more specific to treatment of OCD in that it helps individuals confront their fears and reduce the compulsive behaviors they use to mange the anxiety. ERP starts with gradual exposure and by refraining from performing their usually compulsive behavior, the body and mind recognizes that the anxiety can and will diminish on its own over time. During exposure therapy, a tolerance to the anxiety is built, again reducing the compulsive behavior often associated with obsessive thoughts.
Medications such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to help reduce the symptoms of OCD. Self-care strategies such as practicing mindfulness and gratitude, along with taking care of diet, sleep hygiene, and exercise can help reduce overall anxiety symptoms associated with OCD. Advance treatment such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may be used to treat OCD. Effective treatment for OCD requires a multifaceted approach. Seeking mental health services in San Diego can open doors to explore treatment options.