OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)

OCD causes obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are repeated, intrusive, and distressing thoughts, urges, or mental images. Compulsions are repetitive, ritualistic behaviors that temporarily soothe your negative thoughts.

Some common types of obsessions include fear of germs or contamination, intense need for symmetry or order, unwanted taboo thoughts, and aggression.

Compulsions can include cleaning yourself or your home, counting, touching, checking, and repeating words or phrases silently or aloud.

It’s important to note that almost everyone double-checks things sometimes. OCD causes uncontrollable thoughts and actions that can interfere with your ability to function in your day-to-day life.

If you have OCD, you typically spend an hour or more every day on your obsessions or compulsions. Also, OCD is usually distressing; you don’t derive pleasure from completing your compulsions, just temporary relief.

While everyone has repeated thoughts and behaviors, you should talk to a doctor if your symptoms interfere with your ability to function and your quality of life.

For example, if you spend so much time on your compulsive behaviors that you can’t go to work or socialize with loved ones, it’s time to get help.

OCD, like many mental health conditions, can be challenging to treat. Dr. Mukalel provides infusion therapy as an alternative or supplement to traditional treatments.

Ketamine works differently than conventional medication for OCD and other mental health issues. Instead of targeting your serotonin or dopamine receptors, ketamine targets your N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors.

Your symptoms may subside after just one treatment, but most patients have a series of infusions for optimal results.

Ketamine infusion therapy is a soothing and relaxing experience. While under the supervision of Dr. Mukalel or another clinical team member, you rest in a comfortable chair to receive your infusion.

You might feel sleepy, tingly, or even have a floating “out-of-body” sensation during your infusion. A friend or family member should drive you home after your treatment as you might have lingering grogginess.

If you have OCD and want to find out if ketamine infusion therapy is right for you, call InfusionMD or make an appointment online today.