More than 2 million Americans have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Though everyone worries, If you regularly have intrusive or obsessive thoughts, treatment is essential. At Sound Psychiatry and Wellness, a virtual psychiatry practice that serves Boston, Massachusetts, and Littleton, Colorado, Drew Pittman, PMHNP, offers telepsychiatry for obsessive-compulsive disorder. A combination of healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication can ease your symptoms and help you feel better. Call Sound Psychiatry and Wellness today to schedule an OCD visit, or book your appointment online.
Worrying is a normal part of the human experience, but if you often have unwanted thoughts and they cause you to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions), you may have obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD.
OCD is a chronic behavioral disorder that causes you to constantly worry and do repetitive tasks. For example, if you’re afraid of getting sick, you might wash your hands dozens of times daily or avoid coming into contact with doorknobs and other high-touch surfaces.
There’s no cure for OCD, but it’s possible to better control your thoughts and improve your outlook.
Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder include:
As the condition worsens, you might avoid certain situations altogether because of the stress or anxiety they create. For example, instead of spending time with friends or family because of a fear of germs or not being able to control your surroundings, you might spend all of your time at home.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects people from all backgrounds, but several factors may increase your risk, including childhood trauma, like abuse and neglect, and genetics. For example, if you have a parent or sibling with OCD, you’re more likely to have it as well.
Drew reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including whether you have obsessions, compulsions, or both, and if they take up lots of your time (e.g., more than an hour each day). He might also order lab tests, like blood work or urinalysis to check for underlying health problems that might present similar symptoms.
Last, Drew orders genetic testing. Genetic testing assesses how your specific genes respond to certain psychiatric medications to improve the accuracy of treatment.
At Sound Psychiatry and Wellness, Drew treats obsessive-compulsive disorder using a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication. He might recommend:
If you need more specialized care, Drew can refer you to a nearby specialist who provides in-person care.
Call Sound Psychiatry and Wellness today to receive treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, or book your telepsychiatry appointment online.