Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that can interfere with your daily routine and overall quality of life. If you suffer from symptoms of OCD, such as intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviors, you can rely on Even Better Mood Clinic in Irvine, California, for expert treatment. George Tun, MD, and his team understand the challenges of OCD and can help you manage the condition with effective solutions. Call the friendly staff or book an appointment online today to start your journey toward exceptional care.
OCD is a mental health condition that involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that can make you feel driven to perform.
These obsessions and compulsions often interfere with daily life, causing significant distress. For instance, if you have OCD, you may constantly worry about germs and repeatedly wash your hands to alleviate the anxiety. The cycle of obsessions leading to compulsions can become overwhelming, making it difficult for you to function normally.
OCD symptoms typically involve:
Obsessions are distressing, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that are unwelcome and difficult to control. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, harming others, or needing things to be in perfect order.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels compelled to perform to reduce the distress caused by the obsessions. Common compulsions include excessive cleaning, checking things repeatedly, counting, or arranging objects in a specific way.
The key aspect of OCD is that these behaviors or thoughts are time-consuming and interfere with your daily life.
The exact cause of OCD isn't fully understood, but it's believed to be a combination of genetic, neurological, behavioral, cognitive, and environmental factors.
Genetics may play a role, as OCD can run in families. Neurologically, abnormalities in brain function, particularly in areas related to the regulation of fear and behavior, have been linked to OCD.
Stressful life events or trauma may trigger or intensify symptoms. Behavioral theories suggest that OCD may develop as a learned response to reduce anxiety, while cognitive theories focus on the misinterpretation of intrusive thoughts.
At Even Better Mood Clinic, OCD is treated through a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP), is the most effective psychological treatment.
ERP involves gradually exposing you to your obsession while preventing the compulsive behavior. Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also help reduce symptoms. In some cases, a combination of therapy and medication provides the best outcomes.
If you or a loved one shows signs of OCD, call to book an appointment today. You can also use the online scheduler for convenience.