Area of treatment
OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive, distressing thoughts and repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety. Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Yana Bekker provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for OCD. If you’re concerned about symptoms, schedule a consultation today.
What is OCD?
While many people experience occasional intrusive thoughts or preferences for routine, OCD involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) that interfere with daily functioning. Obsessions often cause significant anxiety, and compulsions provide only temporary relief, reinforcing the cycle.
What’s the difference between obsessions and compulsions?
If symptoms are impacting your work, relationships, or daily functioning, evaluation is recommended.
Obsessions are intrusive, distressing thoughts, images, or urges. Common examples include:
- Fear of contamination or illness
- Excessive need for symmetry or exactness
- Intrusive thoughts about harm
- Unwanted sexual or religious thoughts
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety. Common compulsions include:
- Repeated cleaning or handwashing
- Checking (locks, appliances, tasks)
- Counting or repeating actions
- Mental rituals or reassurance-seeking
- Rigid routines or patterns
Treatment
How is OCD treated?
Dr. Bekker provides individualized, evidence-based treatment beginning with a comprehensive assessment. Care may include medication management, ongoing monitoring, and coordination with specialized therapy such as exposure and response prevention (ERP).
Treatment is tailored to reduce symptom severity, improve functioning, and break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions.
With appropriate treatment, many individuals experience significant symptom reduction and improved quality of life.
