OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety. While many people have occasional intrusive thoughts, individuals with OCD feel driven to complete compulsions that can significantly interfere with daily life, relationships, and productivity.

Dr. Marc Heiser specializes in diagnosing and treating OCD with a comprehensive approach that includes evidence-based therapies and medication management to help patients regain control and improve their quality of life.

Symptoms of OCD

OCD symptoms typically include:

Obsessions:

• Unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images that cause anxiety.
• Common themes include contamination, harm, orderliness, or taboo topics.

Compulsions:

• Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to alleviate obsession-related anxiety.
• Common compulsions include excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or arranging items symmetrically.

These symptoms can vary in severity, but they often consume significant time and disrupt daily activities.

Comprehensive OCD Evaluation

Accurate diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment. Dr. Heiser’s evaluation process includes:

• Clinical Interviews: To understand the nature and impact of obsessions and compulsions.
• Standardized Screening Tools: Such as the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) to assess symptom severity.
• Medical and Psychological History: To identify any co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Dr. Heiser creates individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s needs, which may include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Specifically, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a highly effective technique that involves gradual exposure to feared situations without performing compulsions.
• Medication Management: Prescribing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other medications to reduce symptoms.
• Mindfulness and Acceptance Strategies: Helping patients manage intrusive thoughts without resorting to compulsions.
• Habit Reversal Training: Techniques to address and reduce compulsive behaviors.

• Ketamine Therapy: An emerging treatment that may help alleviate severe symptoms rapidly.

Ongoing Support and Care

Managing OCD effectively requires continuous support and monitoring. Dr. Heiser works closely with patients to adjust treatment plans as needed, track progress, and provide tools to manage symptoms long-term.

If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, help is available. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Marc Heiser and take the first step towards a more manageable and fulfilling life.

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