OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that leads to persistent, intrusive thoughts or urges known as obsessions. These obsessions can be distressing and anxiety-inducing and often lead to repetitive behaviors or rituals, known as compulsions, to relieve discomfort.

OCD can deeply impact your daily routines, social interactions, and overall well-being. The inability to control or stop compulsive thoughts and behaviors can cause significant disruption in everyday life.

At Kimball Health Services, we understand the overwhelming challenges that come with OCD. Our mental health provider, Ron Strachan, APRN, provides compassionate care and tailored treatments to help you manage your symptoms.

Symptoms of OCD

OCD leads to obsessions, compulsions, or both that interfere with your daily routine and normal activities. You may know these symptoms are problematic but can not stop them.

The symptoms of OCD typically develop gradually and can worsen over time, especially under stress.

Obsessions

OCD obsessions are repeated, persistent, and intrusive thoughts that cause significant anxiety and distress. You may try to eliminate these thoughts by performing certain compulsive actions or behaviors.

OCD obsessions may look like:

Fear of contamination
Need for symmetry and order
Fear of making a mistake
Doubting if you did something like locking the door
Aggressive thoughts about harming yourself or others
Unwanted thoughts about specific topics

Compulsions

OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that you perform to reduce the anxiety related to obsessions. These actions are often excessive and unrelated to the issue they aim to address.

Common compulsions may look like:

Excessive washing and cleaning
Compulsive counting
Following a strict routine
Arranging items in a specific way
Hoarding items of little or no value
Repeatedly checking things, like locks or appliances

Risk Factors of OCD

While the exact causes of OCD are not fully understood, several factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These include:

Family history: Having a family member with OCD or other mental health conditions can increase your risk.
Brain structure: Abnormalities in certain brain regions, particularly those involved in thought, emotion, and movement, may contribute to OCD.
Stressful life events: Traumatic or stressful experiences, such as abuse, loss, or significant life changes, may trigger or exacerbate OCD symptoms.
Childhood trauma: Adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse or neglect, may increase the risk.
Other mental health conditions: OCD often co-occurs with other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and tic disorders.

Diagnosis of OCD

Diagnosing OCD involves a thorough psychological and medical evaluation. The process can be challenging because OCD often shares symptoms with other mental health disorders and can occur alongside other conditions.

At Kimball Health Services, Ron Strachan, APRN, carefully assesses your symptoms to provide an accurate diagnosis. The process begins with a physical exam and blood tests to rule out other potential causes for your symptoms. This is followed by a comprehensive psychological evaluation, which includes:

Discussing your thoughts and feelings to understand your emotional experiences and the nature of your intrusive thoughts.
Examining your behaviors and symptoms in detail to identify any obsessions or compulsions and assess how they affect your daily life.

We use the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), to ensure a precise diagnosis. Our goal is to ensure a thorough understanding of your condition to guide effective treatment.

Treatment for OCD

At Kimball Health Services, we offer a range of treatment options to help manage your OCD symptoms and improve your quality of life. Our approach is personalized to meet your unique condition and needs.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy or talk therapy involves working with a therapist to understand and manage your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to OCD. Effective psychotherapies for OCD include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This therapy helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies to manage obsessions and compulsions.
Exposure & response prevention (ERP): This technique involves gradually exposing yourself to your fears or obsessions while preventing you from engaging in your usual compulsive behaviors. This helps you learn to tolerate discomfort and reduce the power of your obsessions.

Medication

In some cases, medication may be used to help manage OCD symptoms. Our expert team can carefully evaluate your needs and prescribe appropriate medications if necessary.

Common medications used to treat OCD include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and, in some cases, antidepressants. SSRIs help regulate serotonin levels in the brain, which can be beneficial for managing OCD symptoms.

OCD Treatment with Kimball Health Services

At Kimball Health Services, we can help you process OCD and regain control of your life. Our team offers comprehensive mental health services to address your specific mental health condition and needs.

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. To schedule a consultation with our healthcare providers, please contact us at 308-235-1966 or request an appointment online.