OCD

What is OCD? 

OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a condition that affects your thoughts and behaviors. Its symptoms include obsessions (distressing thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors). While some symptoms of OCD actually help you stay organized, severe OCD can cause problems in relationships and at work or school.  

See the experts at DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC if your OCD becomes a problem in your career or personal life. 

Which symptoms can OCD cause? 

OCD can cause the following symptoms:

• Fear of dirt or germs
• Constant hand washing
• Needing things neat and orderly
• Obsessive thoughts
• Ritualistic behaviors
• Always checking locked doors or the stove
• Arranging canned goods facing the same way
• Not shaking hands or touching door knobs
• Extreme orderliness
• Always doing things the same way
• Strict routines or rules
  
  

The severity of OCD varies from person to person. It can cause embarrassment or shame among your loved ones or coworkers when not addressed. 

How is OCD diagnosed? 

An OCD diagnosis consists of a mental health evaluation to screen for OCD symptoms. Virtually from your home or in person, speak with a DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC specialist. They ask about our behaviors, thoughts, lifestyle, medications, and goals.  

If you’re a candidate for medications, DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC provides GeneSight® genetic testing to determine which medicines are likely the most effective based on your genes. Your provider personalizes an OCD treatment plan that enhances your quality of life. 

How does a mental health specialist treat OCD? 

DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC offers the following mental health treatments for OCD:

• Psychotherapy
• Oral medications  
• Lifestyle counseling
• Individualized, family, and couples counseling
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
  
  

If you have treatment-resistant depression that’s associated with OCD, DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC also offers intravenous (IV) ketamine and Spravato® nasal spray. 

Your provider follows up periodically to ensure your treatment plan works and makes changes if needed. It’s common to undergo therapy for about an hour weekly to learn effective ways of managing your OCD. 

Schedule an in-person or telehealth OCD consultation at DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.