Online OCD treatment and medication prescriptions available today

OCD is a serious mental health disorder that can cause significant problems in a person’s life. It is estimated that OCD affects about one percent of the population. While there is no single cause of OCD, several risk factors have been identified:

• Genetics: There is evidence that OCD can run in families, which suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disorder. Those families with a history of OCD are more likely to have family members who develop the condition.

• Brain abnormalities: Studies have shown differences in the brain structure of those with OCD compared to those without the disorder. These differences may result from a chemical imbalance or other brain abnormality.

• Environmental factors: Certain life experiences, such as trauma or stress, can trigger OCD in those who are predisposed to the disorder. Exposure to environmental factors can cause the onset of OCD or make existing symptoms worse.

While the exact cause of OCD is not known, understanding these risk factors can help people better manage their OCD.

According to the International OCD Foundation, there are a few common obsessions that will drive the compulsions (actions that manifest as symptoms) for people suffering from OCD:

• Perfectionism-related obsessions: excessive concerns about making mistakes or performing tasks perfectly

• Responsibility obsessions: excessive concerns about being responsible for something terrible (e.g. car accident)

• Contamination obsessions: excessive concerns about coming into contact with perceived germs or contaminated things

• Religious/moral obsessions: excessive concerns about offending a higher power and right vs. wrong

• Sexual obsessions: unwanted thoughts or mental images related to sex

As a result of the obsessions, OCD sufferers respond with compulsions which manifest as observable symptoms in daily life, including:

• Excessive hand-washing

• Excessive counting

• Excessive checking on things

• Preoccupation with body appearance

People with OCD often recognize that their thoughts and behaviors are irrational, but they feel unable to control them. This can lead to a great deal of shame and embarrassment, making it difficult for people with OCD to seek help. As a result, another symptom is that some people tend to avoid situations or objects that trigger the obsessions.

Obsessions are recurring and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that the person feels compelled to do to relieve the anxiety caused by the obsessions. As a result of the obsessions, people with OCD respond with compulsions, which manifest as observable symptoms, including:

• Excessive checking on things

• Excessive hand-washing

• Excessive counting

• Preoccupation with body appearance

OCD is commonly treated with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant used to treat anxiety and depression. Common prescriptions include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and sertraline (Zoloft). The tricyclic antidepressant clomipramine (Anafranil) is another common medication used to treat OCD.

You can get OCD treatment online following an evaluation with a board-certified primary care doctor. During the evaluation, you can determine which medication, if any, is right for you and you can receive a prescription.

For cognitive behavioral therapy, you can book online therapy sessions through PlushCare and talk to licensed mental health providers from the comfort of your home.

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