OCD

Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) means dealing with unwanted, recurring thoughts and urges, called obsessions, and the repetitive behaviors, or compulsions, that often follow. This can make everyday life feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At the practice of dual board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Mary Cahill, PMHNP, in Brooklyn, New York, you’ll receive compassionate, personalized care. To schedule an evaluation with Mary Cahill, PMHNP, contact our office today.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

If you’ve ever felt stuck with thoughts or actions you can’t control, you might be experiencing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is a mental health condition that causes unwanted, repeated thoughts (called obsessions) and behaviors (called compulsions) that you feel like you have to do.

These patterns can make everyday life harder and even make simple tasks feel overwhelming.

What are the most common symptoms of OCD?

OCD can look different for everyone, but some common signs include:

• Obsessions: repeated, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that make you anxious, like worries about germs, getting hurt, or making mistakes
• Compulsions: actions or mental habits done over and over to try to reduce anxiety, like washing hands a lot, checking locks, or counting
• Time-consuming routines: spending hours on these behaviors or trying to ignore your thoughts, which can get in the way of school, work, or daily life
• Distress and interference: feeling anxious, frustrated, or unable to focus on tasks or relationships because of OCD
• Avoidance: staying away from situations that might trigger obsessions, which can affect social life or work

These symptoms can feel overwhelming, but Mary Cahill, PMHNP, can help you manage them and take back control of your life.

What causes OCD?

The exact cause of OCD isn’t fully understood, but research suggests it involves a combination of brain chemistry, genetics, and environmental factors. 

Certain risk factors may make someone more likely to develop OCD, including a family history of OCD or other mental health conditions, experiencing trauma or stressful life events, and differences in brain function or neurotransmitter activity.

How is OCD treated?

Therapy

Treatment includes Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), an evidence-based therapy that is the gold-standard for OCD treatment. 

Medication 

Certain antidepressants can reduce the intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

Support strategies

Education, coping techniques, and guidance from mental health professionals can improve daily functioning.

With Mary’s support, you don’t have to face OCD on your own. To schedule an evaluation with Mary Cahill, PMHNP, contact our office today.