OCD Psychiatrist in Red Bank, NJ: Get Effective Treatment and Reclaim Your Life

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, involves having obsessive thinking patterns that can include unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that make a person feel anxious or distressed. Individuals who have OCD often have significant difficulty pushing away or ignoring these thoughts. 

Those with OCD also have compulsive behaviors. These are  an attempt to reverse the obsessive thoughts or urges by performing some sort of action.

If you or someone you love is struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, an OCD psychiatrist can help. Turn to Coastal Psychiatry, serving clients in the Red Bank, New Jersey, area for an effective and personalized treatment plan.

What OCD Looks Like

Many people experience some degree of obsessive thinking at one time or another during their lives. Sometimes, they also strongly prefer to have things a certain way and will state that they are “OCD.” 

However, OCD goes well beyond wanting life to be orderly. It involves obsessive thoughts that trigger ritualistic behaviors in order to gain relief. As a result, individuals with OCD must live by a rigid set of rules that controls their daily routine and their entire life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some common signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder are:

· Intrusive thoughts

· Constant checking

· Constant counting

· The repeated cleaning of one or more items

· Constantly checking the stove or door locks

· Fear of contamination

· Hoarding

· Thoughts that you might be harmed

· Thoughts that you might cause others harm

Potential Causes of OCD

OCD is caused by a combination of genetic, neurological, behavioral, cognitive, and environmental factors. Genetics, for instance, play a significant role, with a family history of OCD increasing the risk. Likewise, neurological factors can trigger OCD due to imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin. There are also behavioral aspects to OCD with learned behaviors reinforced by anxiety relief.

Cognitive factors can also play a role in causing OCD. These include distorted thinking patterns, such as overestimating threats. Another contributor to OCD is environmental triggers, such as trauma, abuse, or significant life changes.

When to Get Help from an OCD Psychiatrist

Getting treatment from an OCD psychiatrist is crucial when obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors start to interfere with daily life. If you find yourself spending excessive time on rituals, experiencing significant distress, or noticing a decline in work, school, or social functioning, it's time for help.

If you have attempted self-help strategies without success or if OCD symptoms are causing anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, a psychiatrist can provide specialized treatment. Early intervention is key. It can help you learn to effectively manage OCD through therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of both.

Request an Appointment With a Licensed OCD Psychiatrist in Red Bank

If you are struggling with OCD and are ready for help from a psychiatrist, turn to Coastal Psychiatry, led by Dr. Deepti Varma. We work with individuals across the Red Bank, NJ, area, providing personalized strategies that help to restore quality of life. Request your appointment with an OCD psychiatrist today.