OCD

About one in 40 people develop obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) during their lifetime. At My Psych Today in Katy, Texas, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Alaa Mhsen, PMHNP, helps you overcome bothersome OCD symptoms and flourish in everyday situations. Schedule a mental health evaluation at My Psych Today by calling the office or requesting one online. 

What is OCD?

OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a mental health condition characterized by patterns of undesirable fears and thoughts (obsessions) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors). While mild OCD may not cause concern, more severe forms can disrupt your daily life, cause distress or anxiety, and lead to problems at work, school, and in relationships.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

OCD can contribute to:

• Irrational thoughts and behaviors
• Fear of dirt or germs
• Avoiding shaking hands or touching doorknobs
• Arranging canned goods all the same way
• Extreme orderliness
• Continuous hand washing
• Difficulty dealing with uncertainty 
• Need for balance and order
• Undesirable behaviors and thoughts
• Doubts about turning off the stove or locking the door
• Unpleasant sexual images
• Intense stress
• Constant cleaning
• Counting in patterns
• Silently repeating words or phrases
• Following a strict routine
• Demanding reassurance

When not addressed, problematic OCD thoughts and behaviors can negatively impact your quality of life. They often keep coming back despite you trying to ignore or eliminate them.

What are the risk factors for OCD?

The cause of OCD isn’t clear. It often begins in the teenage years or young adulthood. The severity of your condition may change over time and worsen during periods of stress, life changes, and transitions. 

OCD is more common among people with a family history of the disorder and those with other mental health conditions — like depression, anxiety, tic disorders, and substance misuse.

OCD might stem from brain chemistry changes, learned compulsive behaviors, or obsessive fears from family members. Seeking treatment early can reduce worsening OCD symptoms and prevent them from disrupting your routine and quality of life. 

How is OCD diagnosed?

Alaa diagnoses OCD and other mental health conditions by completing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. He inquires about your medical history, lifestyle, emotions, moods, thoughts, and behavior patterns to make a final diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. Tell Alaa about any medications you currently take. 

How is OCD treated?

My Psych Today offers an array of personalized OCD treatments based on your goals. Alaa offers cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), other therapies, intensive outpatient programs lasting several weeks, medication management, and lifestyle counseling. 

It’s helpful to attend all therapy sessions, take medications as instructed, and adopt healthy habits. Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, and try stress-reduction strategies like meditation, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, spending time outdoors, or massage. 

Follow up with Alaa as directed to overcome OCD challenges, and call My Psych Today at any time with questions or concerns. 

Schedule an OCD evaluation for yourself or your child by calling the My Psych Today office or booking an appointment online.