Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCD is a chronic and often debilitating mental health condition characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These thoughts and actions can significantly interfere with a person’s daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being. At Thriving Minds, we specialize in identifying and treating OCD using compassionate and evidence-based approaches that help individuals regain control over their thoughts and behaviors—leading to a healthier, more balanced life.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
OCD involves a cycle of intrusive, distressing thoughts that create anxiety, followed by compulsive actions performed to relieve that anxiety. These rituals, though momentarily calming, reinforce the disorder and often lead to increased distress over time. OCD can manifest in many forms, from excessive cleaning or checking to persistent doubts and need for symmetry.
While the exact cause of OCD is not fully understood, factors such as genetics, brain structure, and environmental influences may contribute. With the right diagnosis and treatment, individuals can manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives. OCD is a treatable condition. At Thriving Minds, our expert team offers personalized care through an integrated treatment approach.
Types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
- Contamination OCD – Fear of germs, illness, or contamination leading to compulsive cleaning or avoidance behaviors.
- Checking OCD – Repeatedly checking things like locks, appliances, or health symptoms to avoid perceived harm.
- Symmetry and Order OCD – Preoccupation with alignment, exactness, or arranging objects until they “feel right.”
- Harm OCD – Intrusive thoughts about causing harm to oneself or others, despite having no intention to do so.
- Sexual or Religious Obsessions – Disturbing thoughts related to taboo topics, often causing intense guilt or distress. Hoarding OCD – Difficulty discarding items due to perceived need or fear of loss, even if the items are of no value.
Signs and Symptoms
- Persistent, unwanted thoughts that cause anxiety
- Ritualistic behaviors aimed at reducing distress
- Avoidance of situations that may trigger obsessions
- Feeling of being “stuck” in repetitive cycles
- Difficulty concentrating due to intrusive thoughts
- Excessive doubt or need for reassurance
- Time-consuming rituals impacting daily function
Comprehensive Treatments at Thriving Minds
Our dedicated team of mental health professionals offers personalized ADHD treatment plans, including:
A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy :
CBT is the gold standard in treating OCD. Through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), clients are gradually exposed to feared situations while refraining from compulsive responses, reducing the power of obsessions.
B. Medications Management:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed as a first-line medication for OCD. Our team works closely with clients to monitor progress and manage side effects.
C. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) :
In severe or treatment-resistant cases, ECT may be considered. It involves brief electrical stimulation under anesthesia to relieve symptoms.
D. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy :
Originally developed for emotional regulation, DBT can also benefit those with OCD who struggle with distress tolerance or co-occurring mood issues.
E. Schema Therapy:
This integrative approach combines elements of CBT, psychoanalysis, and attachment theory to help individuals address deep-rooted patterns that drive obsessive thinking.
F. Ketamine Therapy :
Emerging evidence supports the use of ketamine infusions for treatment-resistant OCD. It acts on glutamate pathways and provides rapid symptom relief for some individuals.We support families through education, coping strategies, and guidance to better understand and manage challenges while building strong, loving connections.
- E. Neurostimulation Treatments:
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS):
tDCS is a non-invasive procedure that delivers low electrical currents to specific brain regions. It helps modulate neural activity and reduce OCD symptoms, especially when combined with behavioral therapy.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS):
rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in OCD. It’s FDA-approved, well-tolerated, and has shown effectiveness for individuals not responding to traditional treatments.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy: This approach helps individuals develop awareness of their obsessive thoughts without judgment or immediate reaction. Over time, it fosters emotional balance and reduces the intensity of compulsive urges.
- Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT): VRT creates immersive, controlled environments for exposure therapy. It enables clients to confront triggers safely, build tolerance, and practice new coping skills in realistic but secure scenarios.
- Group Therapy & Family Counseling: These sessions create a supportive community and educate both clients and families about OCD. They enhance communication, provide emotional relief, and reinforce therapeutic techniques at home.
Why Choose Our Clinic?
For expert ADHD diagnosis and tailored treatment plans, reach out to our center. Let us help you or your loved one achieve better focus, control, and overall well-being.
We’ve helped millions feel better.
At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
Dr. Smruti Pradhan
“Dr Ankita has helped me to live this life what I m living today. She is an amazing psychiatrist who will treat you without you even realising that you have being treated. I never hesitated to share anything with her during my therapy as I was very comfortable with her. Please feel free to consult her for your problem. I will always be thankful to her for whole of my life.”
Thriving Minds mental health Resource
At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
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Different forms of treatments are used by psychiatrists as per the patient’s needs. It may be talk therapy or psychosocial intervention or medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy will usually involve the therapist and the patient talking between themselves. The aim is to limit the symptoms for the patient to feel better. The therapy can continue over some time depending on the patient’s symptoms. It can involve either the individual patient or even a group of people. Talk therapy can be in many forms; such as helping the patient with a behavioral change; overcoming the effects of difficult relationships; etc. Psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders and other emotional troubles, use various types of medications to treat the symptoms. The process of it is not fully known but it may alter the brain’s chemical signalling. This will help control the symptoms. Patients undergoing long-term treatment will need to visit at regular intervals to monitor the changes. Psychiatrists also perform various interventional procedures like ECT, rTMS, tDCS, Ketamine Infusion etc. to alleviate symptoms and hasten recovery.
Mental disorder treatments depend upon the severity of the issue; such as the intensity of the problems faced; the pros and cons associated with a treatment; etc. The treatment is done by making a personalized and careful plan for the patient. This includes a collaboration between the patient and the physician. Most treatments include having psychotherapy sessions; medications; etc. Also; a good support system is paramount to the recovery of the person. Changes in lifestyle; such as daily exercise; adequate sleep; proper balanced diet can help the person recover quickly. The individualized treatment plan will involve all these steps to make a quick recovery. Doctors and therapists help out the person and their families in understanding their metal disorder and the ways to battle it out.
According to scientific studies; psychotherapy relieves the person from distress and helps them in living a better life. Approximately 75% of people who have undergone psychotherapy have felt better. It has been associated with influencing positive changes within the body and has shown significant progress in emotional and mental wellness. Psychotherapy also shows that people undergoing it take fewer sick leaves; experience fewer medical problems and report a satisfaction in their life and work. Today; techniques like brain imaging have shown that psychotherapy induces a change in the brain. This altered brain images are similar to changes that happen as a result of medications. It is important to know that to benefit from psychotherapy; one needs to be honest and insistent upon following their treatment plans. Sometimes; practices such as; journal writing may also be of help.
Telepsychiatry is a convenient option for many to seek easier to access and affordable options. It helps the patients by- Making health care accessible in regions where it is not easily provided. Taking the care facility to the patient’s home virtually. Limiting the needs to visit a doctor over long distance. Timely health care options. Continuous improvement in health care with virtual follow ups. Reducing the need to take leave from work or other services. Removing the obstacles to stigma associated with mental health. Allowing privacy and safety to many. Many people are comfortable in virtual set-ups rather than real time meetings. This will allow them to open up more and feel relaxed. Telepsychiatry has been a major way of seeking help; especially during Covid-19 pandemic.
