Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for OCD Q & A
What is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?
OCD describes a mental health condition characterized by recurring thoughts and repetitive behaviors. OCD involves intrusive obsessions, unwanted thoughts, and repetitive compulsions, unwanted behaviors, or rituals. These behaviors are often in response to the intrusive thoughts. If you have OCD, you have no control over these thoughts, sensations, or ideas —it’s like they possess you. You may be unable to stop the compulsive behaviors, which can be frustrating, time-consuming, and often debilitating.
In some cases of OCD, the thoughts are predicated on harming yourself. You need immediate intervention if you experience this degree of OCD.
You may have a fixation on contamination (such as from germs), mental images, or sexual thoughts. You may develop repetitive behaviors as a result of these thoughts, such as compulsive hand-washing.
Women tend to experience OCD more often than do men. Most people who suffer from OCD notice the symptoms as early as childhood or adolescence, or they appear during early adulthood.
When should I suspect a problem with OCD?
You might be aware that your obsessive thoughts differ from reality and that they’re irrational or unreasonable. Awareness may cause additional stress because you can’t control the thoughts, even though you know they’re not rational.
You may, however, believe that your obsessive thought patterns are necessary and valid. It’s not unusual to believe your impulses and compulsive behavior are entirely rational and essential to preventing bad things from happening to you or your loved ones.
If you’re concerned about your behaviors spurred by OCD, or have witnessed them in your loved ones, set up a consultation with Pusch Ridge Behavioral Health for a TMS evaluation today.
How is OCD treated?
OCD is treated by medication and various psychotherapies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be effective. When these traditional treatments fail to give you the results you desire, Deep TMS may be an option. Deep TMS uses noninvasive magnetic pulses to stimulate or calm down various parts of the brain to help relieve psychiatric symptoms. Brainsway Deep TMS is the only TMS therapy FDA approved for the treatment of OCD. It may even be covered by some insurance plans.
Each treatment plan created by Dr. Drell is customized to your particular triggers, experiences, and reactions. If OCD is interfering with your life and relationships, we may be able to help.
If you or your loved ones have noticed your obsessive behaviors and routines, consult with Pusch Ridge Behavioral Health.