What You Need to Know About OCD, According to a Psychiatrist

By Hector Rodriquez, MD

Many people casually toss around the term “OCD” when referring to someone who tends to be highly organized, concerned about germs, or a perfectionist. But these tendencies don’t necessarily indicate a mental health disorder. It’s only when such traits are so extreme that they interfere with daily life that it’s considered a diagnosable condition.  

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects 2.3% of American adults at some point during their lifetime, according to statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health. Despite its prevalence, OCD is often misunderstood and stigmatized, leading to misconceptions about its nature and impact on individuals’ lives.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the complexities of OCD, exploring its symptoms, potential causes, and available treatment options.

WHAT IS OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)?

OCD is a chronic mental health condition characterized by the presence of obsessions and compulsions.

  • Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, mental images, or urges that lead to unhealthy amounts of anxiety and distress. Common examples of obsessive thoughts include fears of contamination, doubts about safety, or intrusive thoughts about harming oneself or others.
  • Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that people feel compelled to perform in response to their obsessions. This is often a way to calm anxiety or avoid a perceived threat. Compulsions may manifest as rituals such as handwashing, checking, or counting, performed in a repetitive and ritualistic manner.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE OCD BRAIN?

In individuals with OCD, certain areas of the brain are believed to be overactive or working too hard. These areas include:

  • Orbitofrontal cortex
  • Anterior cingulate cortex
  • Basal ganglia

These brain regions are involved in regulating behaviors related to decision-making, planning, and the processing of emotions and rewards. Dysfunction in these brain regions can contribute to the development and maintenance of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors characteristic of OCD.

Additionally, abnormalities in neurotransmitter systems—particularly serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate—may also play a role in the pathophysiology of OCD. Understanding these neurobiological mechanisms can help guide the development of more effective treatments for OCD.

Unfortunately, most psychiatrists never look at the organ they treat—the brain. They simply ask patients to describe their symptoms. However, considering that some of the symptoms of OCD overlap with those of other mental health disorders, it’s not surprising that OCD is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions.

Taking the extra step to scan the brain with functional brain-imaging technology such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can be invaluable.

Brain scans help psychiatrists determine if brain activity patterns are associated with OCD or with other conditions, so you can get the most accurate diagnosis.

SYMPTOMS OF OCD

The signs and symptoms of OCD can vary widely from person to person but typically involve a pattern of obsessions and compulsions that significantly interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. Some common OCD symptoms include:

Obsessions:

  • Fear of contamination or germs
  • Persistent doubts or fears about safety
  • Intrusive thoughts of harming oneself or others
  • Need for symmetry or orderliness
  • Unwanted religious or sexual thoughts

Compulsions:

  • Excessive handwashing or cleaning
  • Checking behaviors (e.g., checking locks, appliances)
  • Counting or repeating words or phrases
  • Repeatedly arranging or organizing objects
  • Mental rituals (e.g., silent prayers, mental counting)

These are only some of the most common OCD symptoms. There are many other overlooked signs of OCD that tend to be missed.

CAUSES OF OCD

The exact cause of OCD is not fully understood, but research suggests that a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors may contribute to its development. Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing OCD include:

1. Genetic predisposition: Individuals with a family history of OCD or related mental health conditions may be more likely to develop OCD themselves.

2. Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers in the brain, may play contribute to the development of OCD. Neurotransmitters involved may include dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate.

3. Environmental factors: In some people, traumatic experiences, chronic stress, and major life changes may trigger or worsen OCD symptoms.

4. Psychological factors: Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or high levels of anxiety, may increase the risk of developing OCD.

TREATMENTS FOR OCD

Fortunately, obsessive-compulsive disorder is treatable. Psychiatrists often recommend several effective OCD treatment options to help people manage symptoms and enhance their quality of life. Some common treatment approaches for OCD include:

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of psychotherapy that involves identifying and questioning unhelpful thoughts and beliefs (cognitive restructuring) while adopting better coping strategies for managing anxiety (exposure and response prevention). This may include techniques to help you get unstuck when obsessive thoughts or worries loop in your mind.

2. Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are one of the most common types of antidepressant medication, may be prescribed. These antidepressants are believed to help minimize symptoms of OCD by raising serotonin levels in the brain.

3. Deep brain stimulation (DBS): In severe cases of OCD that do not respond to other treatments, deep brain stimulation may be considered. DBS involves surgically implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain to modulate neural activity and reduce symptoms.

4. Lifestyle modifications: Adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress-management techniques, and avoiding substances that may exacerbate symptoms can help individuals better manage OCD symptoms. Knowing what to do is important, but knowing what not to do if you have OCD can be equally helpful.


MANAGING OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a challenging and often debilitating condition that can significantly impact a person’s life. However, with an accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and a network of support, people with OCD can learn to manage symptoms effectively and lead satisfying lives.

If you or someone you love is struggling with OCD symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. With the right treatment and support, recovery from OCD is possible, and there is hope for a brighter future.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.

Hector Rodriguez, MD, joined Amen Clinics—Miami/Ft. Lauderdale in 2022. You can follow him on Instagram at @doctor-hector or on his website at doctorhector.com.

Bilingual in Spanish and English, “Dr. Hector” manages and treats adult patients with a wide variety of diagnoses. He also has experience working with adolescents and young adults who need support and resources as they transition into adulthood. Dr. Hector is always focused in a common goal: to alleviate brain health afflictions, and improving their impact on the quality of life of his patients.

Dr. Hector’s professional and personal background have greatly shaped his approach to patient care. Dr. Hector was born in Cuba, and raised in Miami, Florida. He is bilingual in Spanish and English and provides care to patients who speak either language.

Before starting medical school Dr. Hector was a fashion and beauty photographer in Miami, which allowed him to realize his strong affinity to connect with people and getting to know them at a deeper level. His love for science led him to become a Chemistry Major at the University of Miami, and later an advanced chemistry teacher. He also completed a masters of divinity degree in theology from Trinity International University.

Dr. Hector attended Trinity School of Medicine (TSOM) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where he started his Medical education. He completed his clinical training in Chicago, IL where he was exposed to multiple medical specialties, and this is where he discovered a clear passion for Psychiatry.  He completed his Medical Degree in 2017 at TSOM, and then he went on to complete his residency training at Larkin community hospital in South Miami, where he was chief resident of the Psychiatry Program.

Dr. Hector’s published research includes: Gene expression for HIV-associated dementia and HIV encephalitis; as well as NeuroAIDS and Comorbidities of Neuropsychiatric Mood Disorders and their impact in sub-cultures.

During his personal time, he also enjoys blogging and writing, where he shares his knowledge with a focus on the “5 to 9 individual”, the activities we all choose to do when we are off the work clock and how they impact our lives. Dr. Hector prioritizes family time, self-care, hobbies, and physical activity. He encourages his patients to do the same.

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