OCD

Do you frequently wash your hands, meticulously organize things, or continuously doubt you’ve locked doors or turned off the stove? If so, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) could be the reason. At Spectrum Behavioral Health in New Lenox and Hinsdale, Illinois, the compassionate psychiatry team diagnoses and treats OCD to help you break free of compulsions and obsessions. Call the office today or use the online booking feature to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment.

What is OCD?

OCD is a mental health concern that affects your thoughts and behaviors. It’s characterized by obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (ritualistic behavior patterns). While mild cases of OCD might not become problematic, severe cases can affect your career, school, or personal life. See the Spectrum Behavioral Health experts if you have crippling OCD.

Which symptoms does OCD cause?

OCD causes the following symptoms:

• Frequently washing your hands
• Having intrusive or distressing thoughts
• Fear of germs or dirt
• Repetitive behaviors
• Alphabetizing your spices
• Arranging your canned goods to face the same way
• Constantly checking for locked doors
• Being extremely neat and orderly
• Not shaking hands or touching doorknobs
• Being late for work or appointments because of compulsions

OCD becomes a problem when obsessions and/or compulsions interfere with typical daily activities, relationships, or your career.

What are the risk factors for OCD?

The cause of OCD isn’t clear, but it can affect anyone. The average age of a person diagnosed with OCD is 19, and about 50% of people with OCD develop symptoms during their childhood or teenage years. OCD affects 1.6-2.3% of the United States population. Risk factors include a family history of OCD, brain changes, and learning OCD behaviors from family members or friends.

How does a psychiatrist diagnose OCD?

Diagnosing OCD involves discussing your thoughts, behaviors, and lifestyle. Your psychiatrist completes an in-person or virtual psychiatric evaluation by asking questions to determine which mental health disorder you have. They tailor a treatment plan that helps you overcome debilitating or bothersome OCD symptoms.

How is OCD treated?

Spectrum Behavioral Health offers in-person or virtual psychotherapy, medication management, lifestyle-change counseling, and combinations of treatments.

The team uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and other forms of psychotherapy to help you accept or change problematic thoughts and behaviors. You can attend therapy sessions weekly or as needed.

You might also take medication to manage OCD, depression, anxiety, or other conditions that often coexist with OCD. The Spectrum Behavioral Health team manages your medications to ensure a superior outcome and the best possible quality of life.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth OCD evaluation at Spectrum Behavioral Health today by calling the office or booking an appointment online.