- What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
- How Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treated?
- What Are the Causes and Symptoms of OCD?
- What factors may play a role in developing OCD?
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Reviews
- How Is OCD Diagnosed?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reduce Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
- Related Posts
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, which can leave individuals feeling powerless. At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we empower our patients to take control of their OCD tendencies and live more easily. If you're struggling with symptoms of OCD, help is available in Provo, UT.
How Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treated?
We provide various treatment methods for OCD. While prescription medication is common, we also offer alternatives like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine therapy. TMS utilizes magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas linked to OCD symptoms, while ketamine therapy, an IV treatment, targets depressive and anxiety-related symptoms. Rest assured, our team is dedicated to supporting each patient in finding the right treatment for their needs.
What Are the Causes and Symptoms of OCD?
OCD is thought to result from a mix of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Research has linked irregularities in brain structures and functions, especially those involved in anxiety regulation and impulse control, to the development of OCD. Additionally, having relatives with OCD or other mental health conditions can also raise one's risk of developing the disorder.
Symptoms of OCD generally consist of constant, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that provoke substantial anxiety and compel individuals to engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) to alleviate this stress. Key symptoms of OCD include:
Obsessions:
- Fear of contamination or germs
- Fear of causing harm to oneself or others
- A strong need for symmetry or exact order
- Persistent thoughts involving violence or inappropriate actions
Compulsions:
- Compulsive hand-washing or intensive cleaning
- Habitual checking (e.g., doors, appliances)
- Organizing items in precise arrangements
- Engaging in repetitive mental patterns (e.g., repeating specific phrases)
What factors may play a role in developing OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that can be influenced by a range of biological and environmental elements. Although the specific cause remains unknown, several risk factors have been associated with a higher chance of developing OCD, including:
- Genetic background
- Brain activity and structure
- Emotional stress or trauma
- Certain personality traits
- Infections in early childhood
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Reviews
I highly recommend Tanner as a psychiatrist and honestly the serenity staff as a whole. Tanner helped me find the right medications that worked well together and helped me out tremendously with my depression and anxiety. He’s very knowledgeable and listened to me and my needs. I highly recommend him.
I’ve had a great experience with Serenity health! They’re a very caring team that makes sure you feel cared for. I did TMS with them and they’ve been very flexible and understanding with my treatment. I haven’t felt pressured at all or had issues with payment.
I love Jenn! She genuinely cares and connected with me right away. She takes the time to explain mental health options and decide on an individualized treatment plan. I'm not sure what the other reviews are complaining about. The front desk always answers quickly and has a professional warm staff, I haven't been pressured into TMS, meds have been sent to the pharmacy same day, and the no show policy is comparable to other offices. Serenity has been great for me!
I've never been to a psychiatrist who cares so much. The first time I called to schedule an appointment, they expressed empathy for my mental health struggles. I've never experienced that at any other psychiatric clinic.
Going to Serenity Mental Health has changed my life. After the ketamine treatments, and adjustments to my medication. As my wife said welcome back it's been about 10 years. I think all the staff were excellent. Thanks to Jenn my Provider and McKenzie, I think her name was, she was the nurse that did my ketamine. I now have my life back. I can't remember the last time I was this happy.
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Total Reviews
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Average Rating
How Is OCD Diagnosed?
OCD is identified through an in-depth evaluation conducted by our board-certified psychiatrists. This diagnosis process typically includes a comprehensive clinical interview in which we examine the individual's symptoms, personal history, and general mental functioning. During this assessment, we focus on detecting obsessions, which are persistent and unwanted thoughts, and compulsions, which are continuous behaviors or mental exercises intended to mitigate anxiety. The evaluation often incorporates questionnaires or rating scales to measure the intensity of the symptoms. This meticulous method ensures a precise diagnosis and results in a customized treatment plan specifically designed for the individual’s requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age will a person begin to develop OCD?
OCD can appear as early as preschool age or later in adulthood. Typically, men show signs of OCD between the ages of 6 – 15, while women often start experiencing symptoms between 20 – 29 years old.
Is OCD hereditary?
Research suggests that OCD can run in families, but genetics alone do not fully account for the disorder. Instead, OCD typically develops due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What are the risk factors for OCD?
The precise causes of OCD are not yet fully understood, but several common risk factors have been identified. These include:
- Genetics
- Brain structure
- Brain function
- Environmental factors
Reduce Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors
If you suspect you have OCD, you may feel scared, alone, and frustrated. However, help is available. The professionals at Serenity Mental Health Centers are here to assist you in learning how to manage obsessive thoughts and control compulsive behaviors. Take the first step toward managing OCD by reaching out to our Provo, UT practice for help today.