OCD

If you’re bothered by obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors that negatively affect your quality of life, turn to SanCharles Behavioral Healthcare Services LLC, a telehealth-only behavioral health practice in Addison, Texas. Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner Sandra Nwanganga-Anusiem, DNP, PMHNP-BC, diagnoses and treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to ease problematic symptoms. Schedule a virtual evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

About 1-2% of adults in the United States have OCD, a condition described as having obsessions (unwelcome or recurring thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors). 

Mild OCD symptoms aren’t typically a reason to worry, but severe symptoms may interfere with school, work, relationships, and your mood. See Sandra if you or a loved one struggles with OCD that diminishes the quality of life.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

OCD can cause the following symptoms and more:

• Needing a strict routine
• A desire for extreme orderliness
• Excessive checking, cleaning, or counting
• Horrific, persistent, or unwanted thoughts
• Fear of dirt or germs 
• Difficulty dealing with uncertainty
• Constantly checking for turned-off stoves and locked doors
• Not shaking hands or touching doorknobs
• Always needing reassurance
• Panic attacks
• Difficulty sleeping
• Hoarding
• Constantly washing your hands
• Arranging canned goods the same way

OCD symptoms can be mild to severe. They’re often diagnosed during adolescence or young adulthood. 

What increases the risk of OCD?

Risk factors for OCD are:

• Having another mental health disorder
• Genetics
• Learned behaviors from friends or family 
• Brain changes
• Family history of OCD
• Ongoing or extreme stress

OCD can occur with anxiety disorders, depression, tic disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance use disorder (SUD), or similar conditions.

How is OCD diagnosed?

Sandra diagnoses OCD by completing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. She discusses your current medications, lifestyle habits, and medical history. She also reviews your moods, thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and goals to determine how to best ease unwelcome OCD symptoms and help you flourish. 

How is OCD treated?

SanCharles Behavioral Healthcare Services LLC offers the following OCD treatment options:

• Psychoeducation
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Exposure and response prevention (ERP) 
• Other forms of therapy
• Healthy lifestyle education 
• Medication management
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) referrals
• Ongoing support

It’s beneficial to have a strong social support network, stay active, get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and minimize trauma and stress. Sandra follows up routinely to ensure your treatment is effective. She’s always available to answer questions and address concerns. 

Schedule a virtual OCD evaluation at SanCharles Behavioral Healthcare Services LLC by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.