OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects about three million adults in the United States. If repetitive thoughts or behaviors are controlling your life, you can find comprehensive, holistic care at the office of Melissa Quinn, MD. OCD evaluations are available in-office and through the online telemedicine platform. Dr. Quinn has extensive training and experience using nutraceuticals, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy to help you manage symptoms of OCD. Call the office in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, today to schedule an appointment or book a consultation online.

What is OCD?

OCD is a mental health disorder that causes a cycle of obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions

Obsessions describe persistent, intrusive thoughts, unwanted images, and feelings of distress. Obsessive thoughts and feelings can be intense and interfere with your ability to work or meet your other responsibilities.

Common obsessions you can experience because of OCD can focus on:

• Germs
• Environmental toxins
• Acts of violence
• Religious issues
• Perfectionism
• Relationships

You might also experience obsessive thoughts about your health or fears of death.

Compulsions

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you feel like you need to perform to relieve obsessive thoughts or feelings. For instance, you may feel the need to wash your hands excessively or repeatedly check that you turned off the lights before you can leave a room.

When should I seek medical care for OCD?

You should schedule an OCD evaluation at the office of Melissa Quinn, MD if symptoms of OCD interfere with your responsibilities or quality of life.

Dr. Quinn can assess your medical history and your current health to ensure that underlying health issues aren’t the cause of your OCD symptoms. She also discusses your lifestyle and relationships to identify stressors that can worsen your OCD symptoms.

Based on the severity of your OCD, Dr. Quinn customizes a treatment plan to reduce your compulsive actions and obsessive thoughts.

How is OCD treated?

Your treatment plan for OCD may include one or more therapies that provide long-lasting symptom relief.

Dr. Quinn has extensive training and experience using treatment strategies like:

• Nutraceuticals
• Life coaching
• Mindfulness techniques
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

You may also benefit from exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. This treatment involves exposing you to images, thoughts, objects, and situations that trigger your obsessions and cause anxiety. Dr. Quinn encourages you to choose a different response to the stimuli, so you stop engaging in compulsive behaviors.

Over time, ERP therapy lessens your anxiety and helps you build more confidence in your ability to choose a healthier response to stressful or triggering situations.

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of OCD, call the office of Melissa Quinn, MD, today or book an appointment online.