OCD

What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCD is defined by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. Obsessions are defined as recurrent, persistent thoughts that are intrusive and unwanted. They can include things like fear of dirt, fear of causing harm to another, fear of thinking evil thoughts, and the need (obsession) for order, symmetry, or exactness.

Those suffering from OCD often attempt to ignore or suppress such thoughts but find it difficult to do so. Compulsions are defined as behaviors or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. These compulsions can be attempts at reducing anxiety/distress but are excessive.

Roughly one-third of patients with OCD do not experience significant clinical benefit from first-line interventions such as pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Furthermore, OCD patients typically experience the full treatment benefits of first-line interventions only after a time lag of two to three months. This delay in symptom relief is a cause of substantial morbidity and decreased quality of life in OCD patients.

What Are The Symptoms of OCD?

• Contamination Obsession with Washing and Cleaning Compulsion: Characterized by intrusive thoughts about contamination and compulsions of excessive cleaning or washing.

• Harm Obsessions with Checking Compulsions: Characterized by obsessive thoughts about possible harm to yourself or others, and compulsions involving checking rituals to relieve your distress.

• Symmetry Obsessions with Ordering/Arranging/Counting Compulsions: Characterized by obsessive thoughts about symmetry and compulsions to make everything orderly until they are “just right”.

• Obsessions without Visible Compulsions: Characterized by intrusive thoughts about religious, sexual, or aggressive themes. Triggers related to these themes are typically avoided as much as possible.

• Hoarding: Characterized by obsessive fears of losing items or possessions that you may need one day.

Can Ketamine Really Help OCD?

Evidence from neuroimaging, genetic and pharmacological studies support the importance of glutamate abnormalities in the pathogenesis of OCD. Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that increases levels of glutamate within the system, leading to rapid improvement of OCD symptoms.

There Is Hope, We Can Help!

Interested in learning more about ketamine infusions for OCD treatment? Call today to schedule a 15-minute complimentary session with a provider.

If you are considered treatment-resistant with chronic mood or pain conditions (by failing two or more therapeutic measures, i.e., therapy and/or medicative) you would be applicable for a “New Client Consultation” lasting approximately 60 minutes with a provider. We are able to accept insurance for this appointment.