OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may first appear in children, teens, or adults, but most people are diagnosed in young adulthood. No matter when cycles of anxiety-producing thoughts and repetitive behaviors appear, Sabelle Mbye, PMHNP, and Diana Manjarres, PMHNP, at Just Breathe Wellness and Healing Center in Kennesaw, Georgia, can help. They offer comprehensive care for OCD, choosing the combination of medication, therapy, and holistic care that meets each person’s unique needs. Call the office today or book online to begin your journey toward healing from OCD.

What is OCD?

OCD is a complex mental health condition that causes unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions). These thoughts are disturbing and cause anxiety, which compels you to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Compulsive behavior temporarily eases your anxiety. However, your thoughts eventually return, once again triggering the behavior. This cycle of intrusive thoughts and rigid behaviors is nearly impossible to break without treatment.

In severe cases of OCD, obsessions and compulsions consume so much time and energy that you can’t meet your daily responsibilities.

What symptoms does OCD cause?

OCD symptoms may come and go, and your obsessions and compulsions may change over time. Most people find that stress worsens their symptoms and try to adjust their daily schedule to avoid stress or anxiety.

Obsessions can involve many different thoughts, but they often follow a theme. Your compulsive behaviors usually follow the same theme. 

A few common obsessions include:

• Fear of being harmed
• Fear of becoming violent
• Fear of behaving inappropriately
• Fear of losing important items
• Extreme need to maintain order and cleanliness

Compulsions might include frequently washing your hands or taking showers if you fear germs. You may continuously rearrange items on a shelf if you focus on needing order. A fear of harm may force you to check doors frequently to be sure they’re locked.

You can also have obsessions that don’t follow a theme or cause noticeable behaviors. For example, you may repeat the same phrase or count in your head.

How is OCD treated?

Though your symptoms may seem obvious, your Just Breathe Wellness and Healing Center provider does a psychiatric evaluation to assess your mental and physical health. 

They may diagnose OCD if your obsessions and/or compulsions take up at least an hour every day, affect your work, social, or family life, and cause significant distress.

OCD improves with comprehensive treatment, which may include medications, therapy, and holistic care. Your provider may prescribe antidepressants even if you’re not depressed because they balance brain chemicals involved in OCD.

Talk therapy helps you overcome OCD by learning to challenge your thoughts, change compulsive behaviors, and deal with fears. Your whole-person care may include dietary recommendations or stress management techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and yoga.

Call Just Breathe Wellness and Healing Center today or request an appointment through online booking to begin treatment that can free you from OCD.