Obsessive thoughts. Repetitive actions. Constant anxiety.
If this sounds like your life, it might be OCD. Let’s talk about treatment that works. Schedule your OCD Evaluation today!
What Is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that create intense anxiety. To ease that anxiety, a person performs certain rituals or behaviors (compulsions), like washing hands or checking locks. Those actions give temporary relief—but the obsessive thoughts always return, cycling into more anxiety and more rituals. Although most people think OCD only affects adults, it often begins between ages 7 and 12. Childhood‐onset OCD can persist into the teen years and adulthood if left untreated. At GenAdvanced Healthcare, we treat patients of all ages—helping kids, adolescents, and grown-ups regain control of their thoughts and actions.
Obsessions (Unwanted Thoughts)
Obsessions are themes of intrusive thoughts or mental images that feel impossible to dismiss, even when you know they don’t make sense. Common obsession themes include fear of germs, worry about being harmed, a need for perfect order or symmetry, and disturbing sexual or violent thoughts. You might also fixate on saying something offensive or on certain sounds or images looping in your mind. No matter how irrational you know these thoughts are, they keep coming back and cause intense anxiety.
Compulsions (Repetitive Behaviors)
Compulsions are rituals you perform to calm your obsessions. For example, if you fear germs, you might wash your hands over and over, take extra showers, or carry hand sanitizer everywhere. If you worry about safety, you might check doors and windows repeatedly to make sure they’re locked. When order and symmetry obsess you, you may rearrange objects until they “feel” exactly right—even if they were already neat. Even though you know you’ve already washed, checked, or arranged, the urge returns as soon as the obsession resurfaces.
How OCD Is Diagnosed
Initial Evaluation
Your provider will ask detailed questions about what you’re thinking and doing, how often those thoughts and behaviors occur, and how they interfere with daily life. We’ll also consider any related conditions—like anxiety or depression—that often appear alongside OCD.
Because OCD often overlaps with other issues—like depression, PTSD, or a tic disorder—our team addresses all relevant concerns. Over weeks and months, you’ll work to break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions with ongoing support.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Once we confirm an OCD diagnosis, we build a customized plan based on your needs. Treatment may include:
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Therapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / CBT): Learn to identify obsessive thoughts and respond differently, reducing the urge to perform compulsions over time.
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Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A type of CBT that gradually helps you face feared situations or thoughts without doing the ritual, so anxiety decreases naturally.
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Medication (SSRIs or Other Antidepressants): These medications can reduce the intensity of obsessive thoughts and make it easier to practice therapy. Medication rarely eliminates OCD entirely, but it often lessens symptoms enough that therapy can be more effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes OCD?
The exact cause isn’t fully known, but OCD tends to run in families. It may be linked to differences in brain function and structure, as well as environmental factors like trauma or stress.
At what age does OCD start?
OCD can begin as early as age 7. It often starts in childhood or adolescence but can also appear in adulthood.
Can OCD go away on its own?
OCD symptoms may change over time, but they typically don’t go away without treatment. The good news is that OCD is treatable, and many people learn to manage it well.
Is OCD just about cleanliness?
No. While fears about germs are common, OCD can involve many types of obsessions, such as fears of harm, disturbing thoughts, or needing things to be in a specific order.
Do people with OCD know their thoughts aren’t logical?
Yes, most people with OCD are aware that their thoughts or behaviors are irrational. But even with this awareness, the anxiety and compulsions can feel impossible to ignore without help.
How is OCD diagnosed?
A licensed mental health provider will talk with you about your symptoms, how often they happen, and how they affect your life. Diagnosis is based on patterns of obsessions, compulsions, and their impact.
What’s the best treatment for OCD?
A combination of therapy (especially CBT or ERP) and, in some cases, medication, is the most effective approach. Treatment is tailored to your specific symptoms and needs.
Not Sure If It’s OCD?
Take a Quick Self-Check
If you’ve been struggling with unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors, try our simple online self-check. It’s a helpful first step to better understand your symptoms and explore if it’s time to seek support.
Gen Advanced Healthcare
We are committed to making quality mental healthcare accessible and engaging. We honor the courage it takes to seek support by providing expert, compassionate care for individuals and families navigating emotional, stress-related, and psychiatric challenges.
Contact Us
Address: 600 1st Avenue Ste 102 Seattle WA 98104
Telephone: (206) 895-1259; 18009271936
Fax: (206) 895-1274
Email: admin@GENadvancedhealthcare.com
Open: Mon. – Fri.: 7am – 5pm; Sat.: 7am-1pm