OCD

If you have obsessions and compulsions that interfere with your ability to be successful at work, school, or in relationships, Ascension Psychiatric Services in Atlanta, GA, and Washington, DC, can help. Anthony J. Hall, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, offers treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to reduce bothersome symptoms and ensure the best quality of life possible. Call the office to schedule a telemedicine appointment, or use the online booking tab today.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is a mental health condition that affects the way your mind functions. Its hallmark symptoms include compulsions and obsessions that can negatively affect many aspects of your life and cause anxiety. Ascension Psychiatric Services can help if you’re tired of stressing over OCD symptoms.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

The most common symptoms of OCD are:

• Obsessive thought or behavior patterns
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Doubts about turning off the stove or locking the door
• Depression
• Fear of dirt or germs
• Being overly paranoid about cleanliness
• The need for things to be orderly
• Avoiding shaking hands and other trigger situations
• Constantly washing your hands
• Having intrusive thoughts
• Needing a strict routine 

If these or other OCD symptoms prevent you from living your best life, see Anthony for a telemedicine psychiatric evaluation and discussion about possible treatment options.

What are the risk factors for OCD?

OCD tends to run in families, though anyone can develop it. Changes in brain chemistry, genetics, learning obsessions from family members, and stressful life events can all contribute to having OCD. It’s sometimes associated with anxiety, depression, tic disorders, and substance abuse disorders.

How is OCD diagnosed?

To determine if you have OCD, Anthony reviews your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle habits, thoughts, mood, and behavior patterns. He may complete genetic testing to determine which medications are likely best for your genetic makeup.

Anthony works to find the root cause of OCD and tailors each treatment based on your personalized needs. Doing so reduces troublesome symptoms and your risk of complications.

How is OCD treated?

The most common treatments for OCD include taking medications and undergoing psychotherapy (talk therapy), such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Anthony teaches you ways to overcome OCD habits that diminish your quality of life. 

You might try stress-reduction techniques, find a strong social network, and use exposure and response prevention (ERP) to help you overcome anxiety associated with dirt, germs, disorder, people, or everyday situations.

He follows up with you virtually to ensure you overcome OCD, diminish unpleasant symptoms, and thrive in relationships, in school, or at work. Anthony can also help you reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges you may have with OCD.

To get evaluated or treated for OCD, call the Ascension Psychiatric Services office or use the online booking feature today.