Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions (recurring, intrusive thoughts, urges, and mental images), and compulsions (repetitive behaviors and mental acts).
Understanding the symptoms of OCD can lead to early detection and intervention, which has been associated with improved treatment outcomes and quality of life among individuals with this debilitating mental illness.
OCD Symptoms
The symptoms of OCD can be classified into obsessions and compulsions as outlined below:
Obsessions
Obsessions are persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that cause distress or anxiety. Common obsession symptoms include:
Fear of contamination: A common obsession revolves around the fear of contamination. This could involve worrying excessively about germs, dirt, or being contaminated by touching objects others have touched.
Need for symmetry or exactness: Some people with OCD experience strong desires for things to be arranged perfectly or in a precise manner.
Fear of harm: This involves persistent fears that harm may come to oneself or loved ones, often leading to the person believing they are responsible for preventing such harm.
Unwanted or taboo thoughts: Some individuals with OCD may have obsessions involving violent, religious, or sexual thoughts that they consider morally unacceptable or inappropriate.
Compulsions
Compulsions are recurrent behaviors or mental acts that a person feels compelled to perform, repeatedly, often in response to an obsession. These behaviors are generally meant to counteract or neutralize the psychological distress or anxiety caused by their obsession or prevent some dreaded event or situation.
Excessive cleaning or handwashing: This is a common compulsion and is usually driven by fears of contamination. It involves repeatedly washing/sanitizing your hands or cleaning surfaces.
Arranging and ordering: People with OCD may feel a strong urge to arrange items in a specific, often symmetrical order.
Checking: This can involve repeatedly checking things like appliances, doors, or switches to prevent damage, fire, or other potential dangers. This type of compulsive behavior is mainly associated with fear of harm.
Mental compulsions: These are mental acts that one feels compelled to perform and could involve counting, praying, repeating words silently, or creating mental images to counteract or neutralize a disturbing thought.
Symptom Severity & Impact On Daily Life
The symptoms of OCD can cause significant distress and interfere with daily activities, social interactions, and productivity. However, the level of severity can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals may spend half an hour engaged in obsessive-compulsive thinking and behavior, while others may spend most of their waking hours consumed by these symptoms.
When To Seek Professional Help
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of OCD that are causing distress or interfering with daily functioning, it is crucial to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide a thorough evaluation and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help keep the symptoms in check and improve overall quality of life.
Some common signs that you need professional assistance include:
- Inability to control or reduce compulsions or obsessions
- Experiencing significant distress due to symptoms
- Your symptoms significantly interfere with daily functioning
- You’re constantly avoiding places, activities, and situations because of the fear of having obsessive thoughts or engaging in compulsive behavior.
- Becoming seriously frustrated or upset when you’re unable to engage or complete compulsions
Ketamine Treatment for OCD
At Nova Health Recovery, we are dedicated to providing innovative treatment options for individuals grappling with OCD. One such promising treatment is ketamine therapy, which can be a game-changer for those who have not found relief from traditional OCD treatments.
Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, works differently from conventional OCD medications, which mainly target the serotonin system. It works on the glutamate system, a fundamental neurotransmitter in the brain, to help alleviate the distressing symptoms of OCD.
Multiple studies have shown that ketamine can provide rapid relief from OCD symptoms, often within hours or a few days. This can be especially beneficial for those with severe OCD who need quick symptom relief.
Final Thoughts
At Nova Health Recovery, we strive to offer personalized, comprehensive care for individuals battling OCD. We understand that each person’s experience with OCD is unique, and that’s why we tailor our treatment plans to each individual’s specific needs.
Our team is excited about the potential of ketamine treatment to provide relief and improve the quality of life for those living with OCD. If you or a loved one are struggling with OCD and haven’t found success with traditional treatments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to discuss if ketamine therapy may be the right option for you. Contact us today and take the first step towards a life less burdened by OCD.