Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Specialist

Psychiatrist located in Fairfax, VA, Alexandria, VA, Washington, DC

If intrusive thoughts or the urge to constantly re-check on things in your environment is negatively affecting your life, you may benefit from the treatment options available for obsessive-compulsive disorder at Genesis Psychiatric Solutions in Fairfax, VA, Alexandria, VA, Washington, DC. As a highly trained psychiatrist, Dr. Ifeanyi Olele is experienced in obsessive-compulsive behaviors and disruptive thoughts. He offers several treatment options, including talk therapy, to reduce the severity of symptoms and help you achieve your treatment goals. Schedule an in-office or telemedicine consultation online or by phone with Dr. Olele today. Telemedicine services are offered to patients!

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Q & A

What is obsessive compulsive disorder?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition where you experience unwanted, involuntary thoughts or behaviors and a persistent urge to repeat them again and again.

The obsession part of the disorder causes you to have ongoing thoughts or visuals of things that cause you high levels of anxiety. These thoughts may involve yourself or others and can often become aggressive. Obsessions may also cause you to hyper-focus on keeping things in a certain order.

Compulsions are the behaviors people with OCD repeat over and over, such as:

Constant cleaning
Excessive hand-washing
Persistently counting objects
Repeatedly checking on things

Additionally, those with OCD may realize their actions aren’t logical and generally find no enjoyment in their thoughts or behaviors. However, in performing these actions, there is some relief from anxiety.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

In addition to the intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, you may also develop a tic disorder, characterized by spontaneous muscle movements, such as:

Eye blinking
Head jerks
Throat clearing
Grunting sounds

OCD symptoms may appear on occasion and get better on their own over time. However, if symptoms begin to worsen and affect your family or work life, you may need to seek medical help.

Because people with OCD often realize what they do isn’t logical, they may struggle with other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or stressor-related disorders. In some people with OCD, these behaviors can trigger a dependence on drugs or alcohol to calm behaviors and anxieties.

What treatment options are available for obsessive compulsive disorder?

Dr. Olele creates a specialized treatment plan based on your symptoms and your lifestyle. In many cases, he uses a combination of talk therapy and medication to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Talk therapy may include suggestions for lifestyle changes that can help address repetitive behaviors, reducing their frequency. This type of treatment may also help you manage your feelings about your uncontrollable actions and thoughts.

Medications, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be effective in reducing the occurrence of intrusive thoughts and anxieties.

If you have signs of an obsessive compulsive disorder that is interfering with your life, learn more about effective treatment options by calling Genesis Psychiatric Solutions in Fairfax, VA, Alexandria, VA, Washington, DC or make an appointment online today. If you’re outside of Virginia, be sure to ask about available telepsychiatry services.