More than two million adults in the United States have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which causes uncontrollable recurring thoughts and behaviors that interfere with daily life. Board-certified psychiatrist Renée Kohanski, MD, provides individualized and comprehensive care for patients struggling with OCD at RK Psychiatry Associates. To get help from an experienced psychiatrist, call the office in Somerset, New Jersey, or Mystic, Connecticut, or schedule an appointment online today.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is a mental health condition that causes recurring unwanted thoughts or sensations (obsessions) that lead to anxiety and the desire to perform tasks (compulsion) to ease the anxiety.
It’s not uncommon to have unwanted thoughts. However, with OCD, these thoughts are recurring and trigger rigid behaviors. Not performing these compulsive behaviors causes extreme distress.
People with OCD may understand that their thoughts and behaviors are extreme, but they can’t seem to stop either.
OCD symptoms vary and may include obsessions, compulsions, or both.
Obsessions in people with OCD are recurring thoughts or images that cause distress. Such as a fear of germs or the need to have everything in a specific order. Obsessions may also include unwanted thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm to self or others.
Compulsions are the ritualistic behaviors a person with OCD goes through in order to ease the distress caused by their obsession. For example, frequent hand washing, excessive cleaning, or constant rearranging.
People with OCD find that their obsessions and compulsions disrupt their normal life and may take away hours of their time.
At RK Psychiatry Associates, Dr. Kohanski takes an integrative and holistic approach to care. When you come in for an OCD consultation, she asks detailed questions about your symptoms, mental health history, medical history, and family history.
Dr. Kohanski takes her time getting to know you to fully understand your overall health and provide the right diagnosis.
She may also perform psychological testing to better understand your current emotional state. Dr. Kohanski also offers genetic testing, which she uses to help with medication management.
Dr. Kohanski customizes your OCD treatment plan. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication management, or both.
Dr. Kohanski is an experienced clinical psychiatrist and uses various forms of psychotherapy to help you gain control over your obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
For medication management, Dr. Kohanski uses your genetic testing to identify what medication may work best with your genes. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), medications for depression, are the most effective for managing OCD symptoms.
To schedule an appointment with an accessible and thoughtful psychiatrist that specializes in OCD, call RK Psychiatry Associates or book online today.