- What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
- How Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treated?
- What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Reviews
- How Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Diagnosed?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reduce Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors
- Get In Touch
- Related Posts
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we understand the challenges of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a mental illness characterized by persistent obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. These tendencies can leave individuals feeling powerless and overwhelmed. Our mission is to empower our patients to regain control over their OCD symptoms, enabling them to lead more fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD symptoms, help is just one phone call away. Contact our Lakewood, CO practice today to begin your journey toward mental wellness.
How Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treated?
Several treatment methods are available for OCD. The most common is prescription medication. However, we also offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine therapy.
TMS and ketamine therapy can serve as excellent alternatives to prescription medications, particularly when undesirable side effects occur. TMS utilizes magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain regions associated with OCD symptoms, while ketamine therapy, administered via IV, is known to reduce depressive and anxiety-related symptoms.
Rest assured, our team will support each patient in finding the treatment that best suits their needs.
What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
OCD is thought to originate from genetic, neurological, and environmental sources. Findings indicate that disruptions in the brain's structure and function, especially in areas that manage anxiety and impulses, may lead to the development of OCD. A familial history of OCD or similar psychological disorders also raises the likelihood of occurrence.
OCD's symptoms typically manifest as continuous, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that spur significant anxiety, prompting repeated behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at alleviating this distress. Frequent symptoms of OCD include:
Obsessions:
- Concern over contamination or germs
- Fear of injuring oneself or others
- A compulsion for perfect order and symmetry
- Persistent thoughts of violence or inappropriate actions
Compulsions:
- Obsessive hand-washing or cleaning
- Habitual checking (e.g., ensuring doors are closed, checking appliances)
- Arranging items in an exact order
- Conducting mental repetitions (e.g., reciting words or numbers)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Reviews
Dr. Jennifer French is first provider I have fully been able to trust with my mental health. She is caring, attentive, compassionate, and she listens! She possesses all qualities that are an absolute necessity for providing mental healthcare. She is my top recommendation to my friends and family. I truly enjoy our appointments together. She is honest, validating, and non-judgmental. If you are looking for an incredible place, that is relaxing, but encompasses kindness and integrity - Serenity is your place!
This is one of the most fantastic places for Mental Health! From all the amazing front office Girls to the Nurses that make you feel like you're family. Best of all Dr . Froehlich helped me so much I feel like a Different person Mentally and Emotionally! There's also Rob who helped me with payments for Ketamine and TMS treatments not just a manger he's a Friend! Thank you to Serenity for giving me my Life back I will always be Grateful !
Serenity offers a wide variety of therapies for mental health. The staff is warm and welcoming, and Dr. Gower is empathetic, open, and very comfortable to talk to. He believes in trying the path of least invasive treatment which I believe is the healthiest way to approach mental health in the beginning. My appointment relieved a lot of my anxiety.
Dr. Gower has been wonderful. I would never have even have known that TMS and ketamine treatment were an option. It’s absolutely revolutionized my life. He has also helped me manage my medication while listening to my concerns and taking everything I say seriously. It’s indescribable to have a doctor that doesn’t gaslight me. He is also really great about working with my other doctors, the synchronicity is phenomenal. All of the nurses and other staff have also been incredible and so kind. The do so much work to make sure I am getting the most out of my treatments. This is the only place I’ve found that will work with you on doing a payment plan that actually makes sense. And doesn’t overwhelm you with debt. And they make it a breeze. Overall, I just feel really blessed to have found Serenity Mental Health Centers.
In the time where people should be considering their mental health options, Serenity Mental Health Centers has been a great option for me and I will continue to go there for mental health support
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Total Reviews
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Average Rating
How Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Diagnosed?
OCD is diagnosed through a thorough assessment conducted by our board-certified psychiatrists. This evaluation typically includes a detailed clinical interview, during which we review the individual’s symptoms, personal history, and overall functioning. We look for the presence of obsessions (repetitive, intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental actions aimed at reducing anxiety). In some cases, additional tools such as questionnaires or rating scales may be used to measure the severity of the symptoms. This comprehensive approach ensures an accurate diagnosis and helps develop a personalized treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age will a person begin to develop OCD?
OCD can manifest at any age, from early childhood to adulthood. Men typically develop OCD earlier than women, with symptoms often appearing between the ages of 6 – 15. In contrast, women generally begin to experience symptoms later, most commonly between the ages of 20 – 29.
Is OCD hereditary?
Research indicates that OCD can be hereditary, but genetics alone do not fully account for the disorder. OCD typically develops due to a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental influences.
What are the risk factors for OCD?
The exact causes of OCD remain unknown, but several common risk factors have been identified. These include:
- Genetics
- Environmental factors
- Brain structure
- Brain function
Reduce Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors
For individuals suspecting they have OCD, feelings of fear, isolation, and frustration may arise. However, it's important to know that support is readily available. The professionals at Serenity Mental Health Centers are dedicated to assisting you in learning how to manage obsessive thoughts and control compulsive behaviors. Take the initial step toward managing OCD by contacting our Lakewood, CO office today. We're here to help.