Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a mental health condition that is characterized by episodes of both obsessions and compulsive behaviors. It can affect people of all ages, races, creeds, religions, and sexes. Episodes of obsessions can include experiences of unwanted and intrusive thoughts. And, compulsive behaviors are behaviors that are utilized in an attempt to control obsessive thoughts.
People who are living with OCD’s compulsive behaviors stem from trying to manage the obsessions they experience. These obsessions can come in a few forms but mainly include intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts that people with OCD experience that can be about any number of things including hygiene and cleanliness, religion, doubts about being a good person, harming themselves or other people, sex, control, illness, superstitions, and more. In an attempt to control these unwanted thoughts, people with OCD display compulsive behaviors.
Compulsive behaviors can vary from person to person but can include things like counting objects, praying, checking locks and whether or not appliances are on, washing hands or the body, cleaning, and more. Conducting these compulsions can make a person with OCD feel like they are more in control of their intrusive, unwanted thoughts. And, if a person who has OCD doesn’t perform compulsive behaviors, they may feel severe anxiety, fear, and doom, and they may even believe bad things will happen if they don’t conduct these behaviors.
During the diagnostic assessment process, people living with OCD will discuss the symptoms o their OCD to determine how these symptoms affect their daily lives. If it is determined that the symptoms of OCD, like compulsive behaviors, require a person to take hours out of their lives every day or that they lead to symptoms of distress or despair, a diagnosis is made. And, the treatment planning process will begin to determine what types of treatments and therapies may be helpful to an individual.
Ketamine Infusions: Ketamine infusion therapy has been shown to be effective in helping to manage symptoms of OCD. Ketamine infusions are administered through an IV to provide a low dose of medication directly into the bloodstream. This can lead to changes in how neurotransmitters respond in the brain, leading to better management of OCD symptoms for people diagnosed with this condition. Ketamine infusion therapy has a low chance of side effects and is completely non-invasive. Many patients who use this treatment to manage symptoms of OCD find symptom reduction as soon as the first few treatment sessions.
TMS: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a newly developed treatment option for people living with OCD. It uses a device that sends magnetic pulses into the brain, working to stimulate areas of the brain that are believed to be responsible for symptoms of OCD. This non-invasive treatment has little risk of side effects and can be done in quick, 45-minute treatment sessions. It’s also fast-acting, providing results after just a few treatments. And, doesn’t require any downtime so people living with OCD can go right back to their daily routine after sessions.
Find out more about brain-based treatments available for people living with OCD through Delray Brain Science today by calling (888) 699-5679.