What is OCD? Recognizing Signs, Evidence-Based Treatments, and How a Psychiatrist Can Help

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that goes beyond occasional habits or concerns. At Mental Health and Wellness Associates, our top psychiatrists work with individuals from all over California via secure telehealth, who, unbeknownst to them, navigate the challenges of OCD daily. With an accurate diagnosis, proper treatment and follow up, OCD is a very treatable condition and our patients are most often able to thrive in all areas of their lives. 

In this article, we will delve into the signs and symptoms of OCD, explore evidence-based treatments, and explain the crucial role a psychiatrist plays in providing support and effective interventions.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of OCD

OCD can present in different ways and every individual’s history and presenting symptoms are unique. Some of the most common symptoms to be aware of include: 

a. Intrusive Thoughts: Persistent, unwanted, and distressing thoughts that intrude upon the mind despite attempts to ignore or suppress them.

b. Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to alleviate anxiety or prevent a feared event. Common compulsions include excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or repeating actions.

c. Fear of Contamination: An intense fear of germs, dirt, or contaminants, leading to compulsive washing and avoidance behaviors.

d. Symmetry and Order: A strong need for things to be symmetrical or arranged in a specific order, with compulsive rituals to achieve this.

e. Hoarding: Difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value, leading to excessive accumulation of items.

f. Rituals: Engaging in rituals to reduce anxiety or prevent harm, such as tapping, counting, or silently repeating words.

g. Impairment in Daily Functioning: OCD significantly interferes with daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Evidence-Based Treatments for OCD

There are many treatments for OCD and a well-trained and experienced psychiatrist can help to devise a personalized and customized treatment plan with any or all of the following options: 

a. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Specifically, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a gold-standard therapy for OCD. It involves exposing individuals to feared thoughts or situations and preventing the accompanying compulsive rituals, helping to break the cycle of anxiety.

b. Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine and sertraline, have been found effective in managing OCD symptoms. Psychiatrists may prescribe and monitor medication as part of the treatment plan.

c. Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), can help individuals observe their thoughts without judgment, reducing the impact of obsessive thinking.

d. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): In severe cases, where other treatments have noy provided relief, DBS—a surgical intervention involving implanting electrodes in the brain—may be considered.

e. Psychiatric Support: Ongoing support and guidance from a psychiatrist are crucial. Regular assessments, adjustments to treatment plans, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals contribute to effective care.

How a Psychiatrist Can Help with OCD

1.    Accurate Diagnosis: The first step in getting the proper treatment is getting an accurate and complete diagnosis. A psychiatrist will start by conducting a thorough and comprehensive psychiatric assessment to accurately diagnose OCD and to rule out other potential causes for symptoms.

2.    Tailored Treatment Plans: Based on the individual's specific symptoms, severity, and preferences, psychiatrists develop a personalized treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, or a combination.

3.    Medication Management: For those who may benefit from medication, psychiatrists are trained to prescribe, monitor, and adjust medications to optimize effectiveness and minimize side effects.

4.    Therapeutic Support: Psychiatrists often collaborate with therapists and/or provide therapy interventions directly, providing a comprehensive approach to treatment. Therapeutic support helps individuals understand and manage their symptoms effectively.

5.    Lifelong Management: OCD is often a chronic condition, but with ongoing support from a psychiatrist or referrals provided by a psychiatrist, individuals can learn to manage symptoms, adapt to life changes, and lead fulfilling lives.

If you suspect you may have OCD, or have a loved one who is strugglingly, seeking help from a psychiatrist is a crucial step toward understanding and managing your condition. Recognizing the signs, accessing evidence-based treatments, and benefiting from the expertise of a psychiatrist can lead to significant improvements in your mental health and overall well-being.

Remember, you are not alone, and effective help is available. Taking that first step toward seeking professional support can be transformative on your journey to overcoming OCD.

If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please schedule a time to speak with our practice manager (using the "book online" button above) or call our office today.

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml.

Olatunji, B. O., Davis, M. L., Powers, M. B., & Smits, J. A. J. (2013). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A meta-analysis of treatment outcome and moderators. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 47(1), 33–41.

Skapinakis, P., Caldwell, D. M., Hollingworth, W., Bryden, P., Fineberg, N. A., Salkovskis, P., ... & Welton, N. J. (2016). Pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions for management of obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(8), 730–739.

Simpson, H. B., Huppert, J. D., Petkova, E., Foa, E. B., & Liebowitz, M. R. (2006). Response versus remission in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 67(2), 269-276.