Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can involve unwanted thoughts, urges, or images and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals that are difficult to control.

Clear Sky Wellness, PLLC provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management for patients experiencing symptoms that may be related to OCD.

Understanding OCD

OCD commonly includes two types of symptoms:

Obsessions are unwanted, repetitive thoughts, fears, images, or urges.

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to anxiety or distress.

Examples may include:

• Repeated checking
• Excessive washing or cleaning
• Repeating certain actions
• Counting
• Seeking reassurance
• Fear of contamination
• Intrusive unwanted thoughts
• Needing things to feel “just right”
• Mental reviewing or repeating phrases

Symptoms vary considerably from person to person.

OCD Evaluation

Evaluation may include discussion of:

• Intrusive thoughts
• Compulsive behaviors
• How much time symptoms consume
• Impact on daily life
• Anxiety symptoms
• Depression
• Trauma history
• Sleep
• Medical history
• Current medications
• Previous treatment

It is important to distinguish OCD from generalized worry, perfectionism, trauma-related symptoms, and other psychiatric conditions.

OCD Treatment

Treatment may include:

• Psychiatric medication management
• Referral for evidence-based psychotherapy
• Ongoing symptom monitoring
• Education about OCD
• Coordination with therapists and other healthcare professionals

Exposure and Response Prevention, commonly called ERP, is an evidence-based psychotherapy often used for OCD and may be recommended when appropriate.

Medication Management for OCD

Medication can be helpful for some patients with OCD.

Follow-up appointments may focus on:

• Frequency and intensity of symptoms
• Medication effectiveness
• Side effects
• Daily functioning
• Anxiety and mood
• Progress with therapy when applicable

Schedule OCD Care

Clear Sky Wellness, PLLC provides OCD evaluation and psychiatric medication management in Detroit Lakes and Hawley, Minnesota and telehealth for eligible Hawaii, Minnesota, and North Dakota patients.

Phone: (218) 845-3535