It's Time to Get a Handle on Your OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can feel like a constant loop of intrusive thoughts, compulsions that demand your time and energy, and a gripping anxiety that never quite lets go. If you’re living with OCD, Chima Asikaiwe, MD, Cecilia Chanda, DNP, PMHNP, and Amy Baynash, PMHNP, at Greathope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services in Garland, Texas, are passionate about helping you break free from the powerful hold it has on your daily life.

In this month’s blog, the team describes some of the telltale signs of OCD and walks you through how they can help you and how you can help yourself. 

Signs of OCD

If you suspect you have OCD, you might recognize some of these signs:

• Persistent, undesired thoughts (obsessions) that cause anxiety
• Repetitive behaviors (compulsions) you do to reduce anxiety, such as checking and double-checking, counting, cleaning, and mental rituals
• Avoiding situations that trigger your obsessive thoughts
• Feeling stuck in thinking patterns or rituals, even when you know they don’t make sense

OCD doesn’t just affect your mind; it impacts (and may interfere with) your everyday routine, your relationships, your ability to work, and your social life. Our team wants you to know that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to manage it by yourself.

How we can help you overcome OCD

At Greathope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services, you have access to a range of tools and services to help you tackle OCD:

Psychiatric diagnostic interview and evaluation

You begin with a thorough assessment (usually 40-60 minutes) to understand your symptoms, history, severity, and what’s holding you back.

Medication management

SSRIs and other medications can help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsions. Our team of psychiatrists and nurse practitioners works with you to find the precise medication and dosage to help you, and then monitors you closely for side effects.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is also called talk therapy, and talking through your OCD issues with a knowledgeable psychiatrist helps you gain coping skills. We customize therapy to your specific needs. Some of our go-tos are:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: overcoming negative thought patterns
• Mindfulness-based therapy: learning to accept your feelings and thoughts
• Psychodynamic therapy: understanding current behaviors through the lens of past experiences
• Dialectical behavior therapy: managing emotions that come with OCD

You may also benefit from psychological testing to rule out other conditions, or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) if your symptoms are severe.

Your path to better days

To move from feeling overwhelmed by OCD to having a sense of control, we advise you to:

Contact us and be completely honest

When you request an appointment, share what you’re experiencing and don’t spare any details.

Schedule and complete an evaluation

Your skilled provider listens, asks questions, and orders psychological tests (if necessary) to get a full picture of your mental health.

Build your treatment plan

Together with your provider, you’ll decide what mix of therapy, medication, or alternative treatments fits your needs

Track progress

We understand that OCD is a challenge. Improvement comes when you stick with the plan, attend appointments, follow medication schedules, and use the tools you learn in therapy

You don’t have to go this alone. Greathope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services is committed to a holistic, supportive treatment approach to help you get a handle on OCD.

Call today, or request an appointment online when you’re ready.