How common is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

affected each year

of all adults in US

average age of onset

OCD patients with serious impairment

Symptoms of OCD

Symptoms of OCD can be difficult to detect because there are many routines that are performed by individuals that are not life intrusive. However, when routines become compulsions that interfere with work, social-life or day-to-day function, this can lead to a poor quality of life.

Common Obsessions

Obsessive fear of contamination from dirt, germs, sticky substances, household cleaners or environmental contaminants.

Aggressive Obsession, an individual fears harming themselves or others.

Obsessive doubts about daily activities. An individual may obsessively fear not turning off the lights, locking the door or turning off the iron.

OCD & TMS

Moving beyond the First-line

There is more than just medication for treating your Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. PsyCare offers TMS Therapy, a cutting edge treatment for OCD.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OCD?

OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is generally a two part mental disorder involving intrusive thoughts and compulsions. OCD begins with intrusive thoughts. The intrusive thoughts are the “obsession” part of OCD, and can lead one to feel fear, disgust, anxiety, guilt or other distressing emotions.

What are compulsions?

In order to relieve oneself from these distressing feelings, individuals sometimes develop “compulsions.” Compulsions are the part of OCD, which are defined as physical or cognitive behaviors that are performed most often in a ritualistic, routine way in order to relieve oneself from the distressing feelings brought on by the obsessions. These compulsive behaviors tend to relieve the stress or anxiety temporarily and will begin again when the intrusive thoughts enter one’s mind again.

How prevalent is OCD?

Approximately 2.2 million American adults (about 1.2% of the US population) in a given year are affected by OCD. Just over 50% of OCD patients are considered seriously impaired.

What are the current treatment options for OCD?

Typical OCD treatments include Cognitive Behavior Therapy and prescribed medication. Cognitive Behavior Therapy can help people challenge their thinking and their behavior. CBT can help break the cycle of distorted thinking and compulsive behaviors. ERT, Exposure Response Therapy is a type of CBT that can be effective for many patients. ERT helps a patient tolerate the anxiety caused by the obsession. With ERT they go through the process of facing their obsession, but not acting out their compulsions. Over time this may lead to less anxiety about the obsession and more self-control over their compulsions. Antidepressant medications prescribed by a professional may also be helpful in reducing obsessive thinking patterns and compulsive behaviors. These treatments can often be used together to assist a patient overcome and manage OCD.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) was first introduced in 1985 and since then has been used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders including major depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. TMS is non-invasive, medication free and FDA approved. It’s also highly effective, with 80% of patients reporting a positive response, and a 50% remission rate. At PsyCare we offer TMS both as a stand-alone service and in combination with our psychiatric services.