Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive, irrational thoughts or impulses that repeatedly occur. You may know these thoughts are irrational, but you are afraid that somehow they might be true. These thoughts and impulses can be upsetting, and people may try to ignore or suppress them. Compulsions are repetitive acts that temporarily relieve the stress brought on by an obsession. You may know that these rituals don’t make sense, but feel you must perform them to relieve the anxiety and, in some cases, to prevent something bad from happening. Like obsessions, people may try not to perform compulsive acts but feel forced to do so to relieve anxiety.

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of OCD typically begin during childhood, the teenage years or young adulthood. Disorders like Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Hoarding Disorder, and Trichotillomania are related conditions. Some common symptoms include:

• Rituals
• Excessive washing and cleaning
• Counting
• Checking
• Repeating
• Touching (especially in a sequence)
• Arranging objects (in a precise way)

OCD symptoms can cause destructive consequences, including:

• Decreased Concentration
• Short-term Memory Problems
• Job and Academic Failure
• Social Isolation
• Physical and Emotional Exhaustion
• Substance Abuse
• Depression
• Panic Attacks

What causes OCD?

The exact cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder and related disorders is unknown, but researchers believe that activity in several portions of the brain is responsible. These areas of the brain may not respond normally to serotonin, a chemical that nerve cells use to communicate with each other. Genetics is thought to be a very important factor. If you, your parent, or a sibling has obsessive-compulsive disorder, there’s around a 25% chance that another immediate family member will have it.

We can help you gain control…

Our providers can help you identify OCD and related disorders and work with you to formulate the best treatment plan for your needs. A typical treatment plan will often include psychotherapy, medications, and TMS to achieve the best outcomes.

Medications

Medications like antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are helpful for many people to reduce the obsessions and compulsions.

TMS

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been found to be an effective treatment for OCD. TMS targets effectively alleviate the symptoms of OCD, particularly in patients who have not achieved sufficient improvement from traditional medication and therapy options. TMS can regulate the neural activity of brain structures associated with OCD, specifically the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex.