IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS IN ST. PETERSBURG & VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS THROUGHOUT FLORIDA
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder characterized by a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive, and persistent thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety and distress. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, aimed at preventing or reducing anxiety or preventing some dreaded event. This cycle is often time-consuming (e.g., taking more than one hour a day) and interferes with daily life, routines, and relationships.
Common symptoms include:
-
Obsessions (Intrusive Thoughts/Urges):
-
Fears of contamination or germs.
-
Intrusive thoughts involving taboo subjects (e.g., aggression, sex, or religion).
-
An intense need for things to be orderly, symmetrical, or "just right."
-
Persistent doubts (e.g., wondering if a door is locked or the stove is off).
-
-
Compulsions (Repetitive Behaviors/Mental Acts):
-
Excessive washing, cleaning, or hand-washing.
-
Ordering, arranging, or balancing things in a specific way.
-
"Checking" behaviors (e.g., repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or that you didn't harm someone).
-
Repetitive counting, repeating words silently, or praying.
-
Seeking reassurance.
-
Medication Management
Medication can be very effective in reducing the intensity of both obsessions and compulsions.
-
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): These are the first-line medications for OCD. They are often prescribed at higher doses than those typically used for depression or other anxiety disorders and may take 10-12 weeks to show their full effect.
Non-Pharmacological Strategies
Therapy is a critical component of OCD treatment, providing skills to manage the disorder long-term.
-
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): This is the gold-standard, evidence-based psychotherapy for OCD. It is a specific type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that involves two parts:
-
Exposure: Gradually and systematically confronting the thoughts, images, objects, and situations that trigger your obsessions and anxiety.
-
Response Prevention: Making a conscious choice not to engage in the compulsive behavior once the anxiety or obsession has been triggered. This helps you learn that the anxiety will decrease on its own, without the compulsion.
-
Our Approach: Your Partner in Your Mental Wellness Journey
As a PMHNP-BC, my practice is built on a foundation of respect and collaboration.
-
Shared Decision-Making: You are the expert on your own life and experiences. My role is to provide the expert knowledge on diagnoses and treatments. Together, we will review all the options—medication, therapy, lifestyle changes—and decide on a path forward that feels right for you.
-
Medication as a Tool, Not a Crutch: Medication can be an incredibly effective tool to "turn down the volume" on your symptoms, allowing you to engage more fully in therapy and daily life. My goal is always to find the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time.
-
A Holistic View: My focus is not only on pills. We may also discuss sleep, nutrition, exercise, and other stress-reduction techniques. These non-pharmacological strategies can be essential for long-term, sustainable wellness.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don't have to manage your symptoms alone. If you're ready to explore a comprehensive, collaborative approach to mental wellness, I invite you to schedule online below.
