OCD services offered in Biltmore Corridor , Phoenix, AZ

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes a cycle of unwanted thoughts, repeated behaviors, and severe anxiety, all of which are out of your control. At Cora Health Solutions in the Biltmore Corridor of Phoenix, Arizona, Betsy Serrano, PMHNP, specializes in evaluating symptoms, determining if OCD is the cause, and providing treatments that free you from the control of your mental health condition. If you need help with OCD symptoms, request an appointment using the online booking feature or call Cora Health Solutions today.

FAQ's

What is OCD?

OCD causes uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions) followed by repeated, rigid behaviors (compulsions). Your unwanted obsessions lead to severe anxiety, and then the anxiety compels you to perform specific behaviors.

Your compulsive behaviors may temporarily ease your anxiety, but you can’t stop the intrusive thoughts from returning. Then anxiety returns, and you once again feel compelled to perform your compulsive behavior. This ongoing cycle consumes at least an hour every day, but may take up most of your time.

How is OCD different from my need to keep things in order?

Many people feel compelled to keep their possessions in order. Others are passionate about engaging in their interests or feel driven to expand their collections.

No matter how “obsessive” these behaviors may feel, they’re not the same as having OCD because you can control the time you devote to them. They don’t (or shouldn’t) interfere with your daily responsibilities or relationships.

People with OCD can’t control their disturbing thoughts, behaviors, or anxiety. As a result, their OCD dictates how they spend their days.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

There are numerous types of obsessions. Here are a few examples:

Fear of germs
Fear of being harmed
Need to maintain order or symmetry
Fear of becoming violent or aggressive
Fear of losing or throwing away an important item

Your compulsive reactions may involve repeating the same phrase, counting, or other behaviors that aren’t related to your thoughts. But obsessions and compulsions often go hand in hand.

For example, a fear of germs may lead to frequently showering or washing your hands. A need for order may force you to constantly rearrange furniture. Or the fear of being harmed may compel you to constantly check doors to be sure they’re locked.

How is OCD treated?

Your Cora Health Solutions provider creates a personalized treatment plan that includes medication and/or therapy. Antidepressants are frequently used to treat OCD (even if you’re not depressed).

There are many antidepressants, and each works differently. Your symptoms may or may not improve with the first one. Your provider prescribes a different antidepressant if you don’t respond.

You can avoid this trial and error by getting genetic testing with GeneSight®. Genetic testing shows how your body metabolizes medications and narrows the choices down to those that will work best for you.

Call Cora Health Solutions or request an appointment through online booking to get help for OCD today.