OCD

Learn to Manage OCD with Telehealth Services in Illinois

The signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be identified early in life; however, millions of adults are diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder well after childhood. And just because you have OCD doesn’t mean you can’t lead a happy and productive life. There are effective ways to treat OCD, whether through medication or therapy. If you believe you or your children might be exhibiting symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, speak with a mental health professional at Captive Set Free.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health disorder that affects the way someone thinks. Often, someone with OCD may be caught in a cycle of obsessions, compulsions and intrusive thoughts. In extreme cases, someone with OCD may also act on these thoughts. Overall, urges one feels with OCD can cause significant distress and anxiety and lead to individuals acting out in response to the stress they are experiencing.

Common Symptoms

It’s natural for individuals to have obsessive or compulsive thoughts at some point in their lives. However, if symptoms persist and hinder your ability to function normally in daily life, you could be dealing with undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder. But, before making any conclusions, it’s best to speak with a mental health professional about potential symptoms, such as:

• Aggressive or horrific thoughts
• A need to have things orderly and symmetrical
• Extreme difficulty handling uncertainty
• Fear of dirt or messiness
• Demanding reassurance
• Inability to deviate from routine

What Causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

There are many theories as to how obsessive-compulsive disorder can develop at a young age. For example, mental health professionals consider obsessive-compulsive disorder the result of natural changes in your brain’s chemistry. Another theory explains OCD as a pattern of learning from witnessing the behaviors of family members. No matter the specific cause for OCD, there is no known way to prevent it. Although, there are methods for handling and minimizing its symptoms.

Help from a Mental Health Professional

There are plenty of treatment options available for those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. At Captive Set Free, we can help perform a psychological evaluation to determine whether OCD is the cause of symptoms you might be experiencing. Sherri Bowald of Captive Set Free is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with experience identifying OCD in her clients. If we determine an obsessive-compulsive disorder diagnosis, Sherri can provide treatment through psychotherapy and potential medication.

If you’d like to learn more about Captive Set Free, or the additional telehealth services Sherri offers, be sure to call today at 309-300-3067 to book an appointment. Also, we are available via email at sherri@captivesetfree.life.