OCD

Obsessive and compulsive behaviors that are uncontrolled can lead to feelings of losing control over one’s mind and experience. Neet Shah, MD, at Shah Psychiatry in Phoenix, Arizona, focuses on understanding potential triggers of recursive thinking and intervening in thought patterns and behaviors that could worsen your mental health. He provides a unique therapeutic approach, allowing you to find relief from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) while also developing a mindful understanding of your thoughts. If you would like help coping with your OCD, call the office or book a consultation online today. 

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition in which you have recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that drive you to engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to stop the thoughts.

Obsessions, compulsions, and intrusive thoughts are common experiences for all people. However, with OCD, the thoughts and behaviors take hours, disrupting your daily routine and responsibilities. 

OCD is a common illness with well-studied and effective treatments. Though researchers are still investigating the cause of OCD, there may be a genetic link since it tends to run in families. Childhood trauma may also trigger OCD.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

OCD symptoms include obsessions, compulsions, or both.

Obsessions

Obsessions are unwanted recurring thoughts, ideas, or images that cause anxiety. Fear of germs, the need for symmetrical order, and thoughts of harming yourself or others are examples of obsessive thoughts, but these are just a few examples. 

Compulsions

Compulsions are the repetitive behaviors you engage in to relieve the anxiety caused by your obsession. It might include frequent handwashing, arranging items in a precise way, or compulsive counting. 

The thoughts and behaviors that occur in people with OCD are uncontrollable. Though they spend a lot of time engaging in activities to stop the obsession and ease anxiety, they feel no pleasure from these activities.

What happens during an initial evaluation for OCD?

Dr. Shah takes an integrative, holistic, and personalized approach to OCD. Your initial consultation at Shah Psychiatry takes 60 to 90 minutes. 

At this first meeting, Dr. Shah conducts a thorough psychiatric assessment, reviewing your symptoms, mental health history, medical history, and family history. He also conducts psychological testing to better understand how you think and feel. 

Taking a personalized approach to care, Dr. Shah may also recommend you complete genetic testing through Genomind® so he can determine what type of psychiatric medication works best for your genotype.

What treatments help OCD?

Dr. Shah uses essential psychiatric care to treat OCD that combines medication management and psychotherapy.

Clients seeking Integrative treatment will experience a dedicated program that finds ways to make small and subtle changes in lifestyle, diet, thinking, and feeling that help to use less medication, at lower doses, sometimes for a shorter period of time - due to combining multiple avenues of healing. 

Dr. Shah explores treatment response to high-quality supplements with evidence-based nutrition guidance, a dedicated sleep program, a personalized exercise program, as well as Eastern meditative and reflective practices to improve mindfulness and well-being. 

However, if medications are indicated for symptom control, Dr. Shah will always practice with an evidence-based perspective to bring about positive outcomes.  

Medication management

Medication management includes psychiatric drugs that reduce OCD symptoms. Clients that benefit from precision care in genetic testing can experience symptom relief at lower doses with fewer side effects.

Psychotherapy

Dr. Shah works directly with you, creating a psychotherapy curriculum that incorporates therapeutic techniques that bring about lasting results. 

At Shah Psychiatry, you can expect a high level of personalized care for OCD. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.