OCD
TELEHEALTH and in office PSYCHIATRY SERVING NEW YORK
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) produces anxiety-causing thoughts followed by the need to perform certain behaviors, creating an ongoing cycle that’s impossible to break without treatment. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner Danielle Damas, PMHNP-BC, MSN, BC-NP, based in Franklin Square, New York, has helped many people learn to manage their OCD with comprehensive and convenient care provided through telemedicine. Call her practice, Danielle Damas, Psychiatric NP, PC, or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.
OCD causes an uncontrollable cycle of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and ritualistic behaviors (compulsions). As the thoughts appear in your mind, they cause such severe anxiety that you’re compelled to repeatedly perform specific behaviors to ease the anxiety.
Your compulsive behaviors may temporarily relieve the anxiety, but the intrusive thoughts return. And you once again can’t resist the urgent need to follow through with your compulsive behavior.
The ongoing cycle consumes a substantial amount of time. You may spend anywhere from one hour to most of the day dealing with your obsessions and compulsions, depending on the severity of your OCD.
Though you could have nearly any thoughts, many people share common obsessions, such as:
You may understand that your thoughts are extreme and unreasonable, but you still can’t stop them from returning.
You may continuously repeat the same phrase or go up and down stairs. However, compulsions frequently follow the theme of your obsessions. Here are three examples:
If your thoughts focus on germs, your compulsive behaviors may include frequently or repeatedly washing your hands or taking showers.
Obsessions over being harmed often lead to compulsions such as constantly checking to be sure the stove is turned off or that your doors are locked. You understand you just checked but feel compelled to do it again.
Obsessions revolving around order may lead to behaviors such as rearranging items on a shelf or moving furniture (ever so slightly) to ensure it’s precisely placed.
During your first telemedicine appointment, your provider learns about your symptoms, the obsessions and compulsions you have, and the amount of time spent focusing on them.
Your provider explains your treatment options and collaborates with you to determine the plan that will best meet your goals. OCD treatment generally includes medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, or both.
Call Danielle Damas, Psychiatric NP, PC, today or request a telemedicine appointment online to get expert care for overcoming OCD.