Amen Clinics: Your Stories – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Like many OCD patients, Ryan Davenport first noticed his symptoms during childhood. On the eve of his 20th birthday, Ryan realized that his symptoms were taking a turn for the worse. It was then that he and his father made the decision to come to Amen Clinics. Under the vigilant care of Dr. Larry Momaya, Ryan was able to take the steps necessary to steadily bring his life back into focus.

What is OCSD?

Obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSD), commonly referred to as “OCD,” are serious and often debilitating disorders that are characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are recurrent thoughts, impulses, or images, which are intrusive, usually senseless, sometimes frightening and often repulsive. They are sneaky and may involve repetitive thoughts of: • Contamination • Worry • Doubt • Sexuality • Unacceptable religious thoughts • Violence Compulsions are behaviors that are performed persistently and repetitively without leading to an actual reward or pleasure. Often, compulsions are an attempt to make obsessions go away and to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions. There is an urgent insistent sense of “I have to do it” inside. Compulsions are often performed according to certain rules in a very strict or rigid manner and can result in elaborate rituals. The most common compulsions include: • Rituals • Hand-washing • Counting • Checking • Touching (especially in a particular sequence) • Picking skin or hair • Other behaviors that feel necessary to do The course of OCSD is quite varied. Symptoms may come and go, ease over time, or get worse. If the symptoms become severe, OCSD can keep a person from working or carrying out normal responsibilities at home.

Why We Are Different And How We Can Help People With OCSD?

OCSD, like many other conditions, is not just a single and simple disorder; therefore, treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is imperative to find out what is causing the symptoms you are experiencing and treat the underlying cause, rather than just trying to fix the symptoms. If we don’t look at the brain, how do we know exactly what we’re treating? OCSD is an intricate and often misunderstood condition; Amen Clinics can help decipher the right treatments and protocols. If you would like to learn more, please visit us online or call 888-288-9834 today.