What Is OCD?

When someone has OCD, they experience repeating obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors) they can’t control. The obsessions caused by OCD create anxiety that urges the person to do an action. They may check a locked door, count items, or order and arrange things. A person with OCD spends at least one hour every day thinking about their obsessions or performing compulsions.

Most individuals develop OCD symptoms as teenagers or young adults. We don’t know the exact cause of this disorder, but it seems to have a connection to environment and genetics. Trauma may also trigger the issues associated with OCD.

How Does OCD Impact a Person’s Life?

OCD symptoms can interfere with work, school, and relationships. Since individuals with OCD spend so much time on their uncontrollable obsessions and compulsions, they have less time for other activities. In some cases, they can’t make it to important functions, like social activities or their job. The individual can become so consumed by their obsession and/or compulsion that it triggers anxiety unless they complete their ritual. Some compulsions, such as excessive hand-washing, can even cause medical issues like skin problems.

The stress caused by OCD can also result in the development of additional mental health problems. Some individuals with OCD have a tic disorder that causes them to make uncontrollable movements or vocal noises. They can also have depression, anxiety disorders, or substance abuse disorders.

What Can Bloom Do to Help Individuals With OCD?

Bloom Health Centers provides the following treatments for patients dealing with OCD:

• Medication: As an obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment at Bloom, your prescriber might prescribe an antidepressant. Antidepressants and other mental health medications can balance the chemicals in your brain to reduce your symptoms.
• Therapy: Patients at Bloom can receive many types of OCD therapy that help them control their behavior. In exposure therapy, the patient practices how to avoid compulsions in response to obsessions. Other approaches, such as cognitive therapy, work on obsessive thoughts.

Services for Individuals With OCD

Bloom Health Centers across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia serve children, adolescents, and adults. Please contact us to request an appointment for you or a loved one today.