OCD
Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry & Perinatal Specialist located in Cherry Hill , NJ
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disruptive mental health disorder that occurs when distressing obsessive thoughts lead to compulsive behaviors. At Clarity Psychiatry Care in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, knowledgeable Child, Adolescent, And Adult Psychiatry specialists Dr. Amy Carnall, DNP, APN, PMHMP-BC, and Christina Sertway, APN, PMHNP-BC diagnose and treat OCD with personalized holistic psychiatric care, including medication and counseling. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today for expert OCD treatment.
OCD is a mental health disorder that causes persistent and distressing thoughts and fears (obsessions) that you attempt to soothe with ritualistic behaviors (compulsions). The condition is progressive and can severely disrupt your life when left untreated.
Obsessions and compulsions are the two defining symptoms of OCD. Obsessions are the repeated thoughts, mental images, and urges that cause fear and anxiety.
Your obsessions drive you to compulsions — repetitive, ritualistic behaviors temporarily soothe your worries.
Common themes include:
Obsessions are often uncontrollable, even when you recognize that your fears are unfounded or excessive.
Compulsions are specific to the individual, but there are some prevalent types of ritualistic behaviors:
While compulsions soothe obsessive thoughts, the relief is temporary. Over time, you spend more time completing compulsive behaviors, which interfere with your life.
While it’s normal to have negative thoughts and specific behaviors or routines, obsessions are distressing, and compulsions can severely disrupt your life. With OCD, your thoughts and actions are uncontrollable and upsetting.
Make an appointment at Clarity Psychiatry Care if thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interfere with your ability to function or the overall quality of your life.
Clarity Psychiatry Care begins with a comprehensive assessment of your condition. They work with you to create and implement a personalized and holistic treatment plan.
Depending on your needs, they might prescribe medication and provide a referral to therapy. Medication can regulate brain chemistry and relieve symptoms while you learn different techniques to cope with stress, fear, and negative thoughts in counseling.
They might also recommend lifestyle changes to improve your physical health, making it easier to manage OCD symptoms.
Call Clarity Psychiatry Care, or make an appointment online today if you’re concerned about OCD or feel like your mental health adversely affects your life.