People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) get caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions that consume hours of time every day. At A1 Medical & Behavioral Health in St. Petersburg, Florida, Angela Harvey, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, takes a holistic approach, focusing on all factors that might contribute to your condition. For patient-centered OCD care, call or schedule your in-office or telemedicine appointment online today.
request an appointmentWhat is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that causes recurrent and unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and an intense need to engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to get rid of those thoughts.
What are OCD symptoms?
Obsessions and compulsions are the symptoms of OCD. However, you don’t have to experience both to have OCD.
Obsessions
Obsessions are unwanted thoughts or images that occur over and over again. These obsessions trigger intense feelings of disgust or fear, or a feeling that something needs fixing.
Examples of obsessions are fear of contamination (germs), disturbing sexual images or thoughts, and extreme doubt that something was done right (turning off the oven or locking the door).
Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive actions or thoughts a person with OCD engages in to neutralize or counteract the obsession.
For example, excessive washing or cleaning, repeating a certain set of activities, and checking and rechecking to make sure the door is locked.
What happens during a consultation for OCD?
Mrs. Harvey takes a patient-centered approach to care and conducts a thorough psychiatric evaluation at your first consultation so she fully understands how you think and feel.
She asks about your concerns and goals and reviews your medical and mental health history. She also administers psychological tests to confirm or rule out OCD, as well as other co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
Her goal during your OCD evaluation is to find the root cause of your disorder so she can develop an effective treatment plan.
What are the treatments for OCD?
Mrs. Harvey creates a holistic and comprehensive treatment plan to help you understand and manage your OCD. Treatment for OCD may include:
Medication management
A1 Medical & Behavioral Health uses GeneSight® DNA testing to determine what psychiatric medication works best with your genes. This helps ensure you get a prescription that reduces your symptoms without causing unwanted side effects.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants that helps many people with OCD.
Psychotherapy
Mrs. Harvey customizes your psychotherapy plan to help you learn how to cope with your unwanted thoughts without going through repetitive behaviors.
Alternative therapies
She may also recommend alternative therapies, such as meditation, yoga, or massage to reduce stress and anxiety.
OCD is a long-term mental health condition, but one you can gain control of. Call A1 Medical & Behavioral Health or schedule your consultation online today.