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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Treatment at Wellness Psychiatry

Here at Wellness Psychiatry, your emotional and mental wellness are our top priorities. Wellness Psychiatry is aware of the difficulties people with OCD encounter on a daily basis. In order to help you on your path to a more satisfying and balanced life, our team of experts is here to provide you with thorough, compassionate, and evidence-based therapy for OCD. The burdens of OCD can be managed and eliminated with the help of our individualized strategy, which centers on psychotherapy, medication management, and cutting-edge therapies. Wellness Psychiatry is dedicated to assisting you in establishing and maintaining optimal mental health.

Diagnosis of OCD

Diagnosing OCD involves several steps to understand your condition fully:

Psychological Evaluation: In order to determine if your obsessions and compulsions are negatively affecting your life, our trained psychiatric nurse practitioners and therapists will interview you about your thoughts, feelings, symptoms, and actions. We may consult with your loved ones and get a whole picture, if you give us permission to do so.

Diagnostic Criteria: Our group uses the diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association and published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

licensed therapist taking notes during counselling

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Diagnostic Challenges

OCD can be difficult to diagnose since its symptoms overlap with those of other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, and more. It is possible for some people to suffer from both OCD and another mental illness. To guarantee an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, our doctors will work closely with you.

OCD Treatment Approaches

While there is currently no absolute cure for OCD, proper symptom management can greatly enhance quality of life. Wellness Psychiatry typically uses a combination of psychotherapy and medicine to treat their patients with OCD:

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven method for coping with OCD symptoms. It incorporates the cognitive behavioral therapy technique known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP helps you face your obsessions or phobias one by one and learn to control your ritualistic behaviors. Learning to control obsessions and compulsions is a process, yet doing so can improve one’s quality of life.

Medications

Symptoms of OCD can be managed with the aid of some psychiatric medications. Common medications prescribed nowadays include:

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac) for adults and children aged 7 and older.
  • Fluvoxamine for adults and children aged 8 and older.
  • Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) for adults only.
  • Sertraline (Zoloft) for adults and children aged 6 and older.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and how you respond to treatment, your provider may recommend more than one medication.

Medication Considerations

Talk to your doctor about the following before starting any treatment for OCD with medication:

Selecting a Medication: Minimizing Side Effects While Maintaining Effectiveness. It may take trying out a few different medicines before you find one that works for you.

Side Effects: All psychiatric medications include the risk of producing undesirable side effects. Talk to your doctor (please change the word “doctor” on this page to “provider”) about the risks and any necessary health monitoring.

Suicide Risk: Warnings about suicide ideation are included with the packaging of several antidepressants; this risk is especially high for young adults. If you are having suicidal thoughts, you should get in touch with a doctor right away or call 911 for immediate assistance.

Interactions: If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, as well as any herbs or vitamins, tell your doctor. Medication interactions and side effects are possible.

Discontinuation: Antidepressants are not considered addictive, although they might cause withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped suddenly. Never stop taking any prescribed medicine without first talking to your doctor.

person with two medicine pills on her hand

Alternative Methods of Treatment

When medication and psychotherapy aren’t doing the trick, or when a patient is resistant to treatment, there are additional methods of treatment such as mindfulness techniques and EMDR.

Here at Wellness Psychiatry, we have developed effective methods for dealing with OCD. To overcome the obstacles that come with OCD, our skilled staff takes a patient-centered, compassionate approach.

woman with OCD cleaning her hands with soap carefully

Life with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Taking care of yourself is a crucial part of handling OCD. You should prioritize the following:

  • Quality sleep
  • Regular exercise
  • A healthy diet
  • Mindfulness meditation and other relaxation techniques
  • Building a support network with loved ones

Remember that getting therapy early helps lessen the severity of OCD. Our medical and mental health staff is available to work with you to develop individualized treatment programs and offer encouragement as you work towards wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Wellness
Psychiatry and OCD Treatment

What is Wellness Psychiatry, and how can it help with OCD treatment?

Wellness Psychiatry is a committed mental health care clinic that offers thorough and sympathetic therapy for a range of mental health issues, including OCD. To help people with OCD cope with and eventually overcome its obstacles, our team of experts offers psychotherapy, medication management, and cutting-edge therapies. We personalize care based on your unique requirements so that you can experience real, long-term health benefits.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and ritualized, repetitive actions (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life.

What are the main treatment options for OCD at Wellness Psychiatry?

The mainstays of treatment for OCD at Wellness Psychiatry are psychotherapy and medication management. Understanding and controlling OCD symptoms can be achieved by psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Antidepressants like SSRIs may be administered as well.

How effective is treatment for OCD at Wellness Psychiatry?

The success of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) varies from patient to patient. However, our evidence-based treatments have been shown to significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for many people. Our staff is committed to collaborating with you to find a solution that meets your needs.

What can I expect during OCD treatment at Wellness Psychiatry?

Your treatment plan will be personalized to meet your specific requirements and may involve psychotherapy, medication management, and ongoing care. Your progress will be continuously watched, and any necessary changes to your treatment plan will be made in a setting that encourages teamwork and compassion.

Are there alternative treatments available for OCD at Wellness Psychiatry?

We provide alternative solutions such a mindfulness techniques and EMDR.

Can I prevent OCD, or is it a lifelong condition?

Although there is no way to stop OCD from developing, it is possible to lessen its effects with prompt diagnosis and therapy. While OCD is not curable, with therapy and support, many people are able to live productive lives despite their illness.

How do I get started with OCD treatment at Wellness Psychiatry?

Get started on the road to recovery from OCD by contacting Wellness Psychiatry to set up your first consultation. During this session, we will evaluate your condition and collaborate with you to create a unique treatment strategy.

Your mental health and happiness are our top goals at Wellness Psychiatry. As you work to overcome OCD and improve your health, you have our undivided attention and assistance.

Providers Who Work With This Condition

Wellness Psychiatry Therapy Provider Amanda Farell
Amanda Farrell
PMHNP-BC

Amanda provides care in our Lakewood office and virtually. She accepts Aetna, UHC, Cigna, and BCBS. Amanda is a Board Certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). She received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota before going on to become a Registered Nurse and PMHNP. She has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.

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Wellness Psychiatry Therapy Provider ellen hughes
Ellen Hughes
PMHNP- BC

Ellen provides care in our Lakewood office and virtually. She accepts Aetna, UHC, Cigna, and BCBS. Ellen is a Board Certified psychiatric mental health purse Practitioner. She has her Doctorate in Nursing Practice. She joined Wellness Psychiatry in November 2022 with the goal of providing compassionate, evidence-based care to a wide variety of patients.

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Wellness Psychiatry Provider Amy Prater
Amy Prater
PMHNP-BC

Amy has special interest in perinatal mental health, mood disorders, ADHD, and working with teens, LGBTQ+ individuals and older adults. As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, she strives to provide a caring relationship where each person can feel safe and accepted. Research increasingly supports an integrative approach to mental health care, which can include medication, therapy, nutritional support, and exploration of habits, history, and stressors. Amy will collaborate with you to find a treatment plan that is clinically appropriate and sensitive to your personal needs.

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Wellness Psychiatry Therapy Provider laura oconell
Laura Oconnell
PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC

Laura provides care in our Winter Park office and virtually. She accepts Aetna, UHC, Cigna, BCBS, and the Grand County ACHES AND PAINS vouchers. Laura is Board Certified Family nurse practitioner. She returned to school to further her education and skills in psychiatric care thus working towards her psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

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Megan Page
PMHNP-candidate

I am a motivated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about providing empathetic, patient-centered care. My journey into psychiatric nursing began when I recognized my natural ability to connect with people. This realization compelled me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful impact and discover my passion as a PMHNP

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what our clients say

I was extremely apprehensive on my first visit because I was in a very bad mental state. Amanda was very thorough, very friendly, and made me feel very comfortable from the very beginning. As I recovered I looked forward to our visits but in the end we mutually decided that it was time for me to leave the nest and fly away. If I ever need her I can always call on her. There was something about the layout of the office, the furnishings, and the calming energy that always put me at ease. My first encounter with psychiatric counseling was definitely a positive experience and something that I'll cherish.
Charles
This practice has not only helped my mental health, but I have been treated in a way that is caring and thoughtful. I feel like I'm more than just the 10:30 client - there's a vested interest in my well being. Amanda Farrell is who I've been working with for a few years now and I highly recommend her! I also feel confident that anyone in the practice is trustworthy and reliable. Again, highly recommended!
Melissa
Amanda is an absolute RARE find. My husband even agreed that she does….actually….. care about me and my health. I’m 50 and this might be the first time in my life that I’ve felt that my doctor/therapist really wants me to be happy and successful in life. Starting therapy when I was in my 20’s so there is a long list of docs/therapist that I’ve seen over the years. Highly recommend — especially if you’ve started feeling like you’re just another patient in the queue.
Susannah
This is the best psychiatry practice I have been to. Everyone I have worked with has been empathetic and understanding. The office feels very warm and I feel very taken care of. I always know when I call or email, Riley will be super responsive to my needs. Highly recommend!
Ellen
Amanda has been incredibly helpful. I'm much happier and more productive.
Bob
Wellness Psychiatry goes above and beyond. Everyone from admin to clinical staff. The team fosters warmth and are very attentive to your needs. Addressing mental health has felt overwhelming but this team makes it me feel comfortable and supported. Thanks!
Jodi
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