OCD

Do you experience persistent, unwanted thoughts that feel difficult to control, along with urges to repeat certain behaviors or mental rituals to reduce anxiety?
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At Sona Psychiatry & TMS, we provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care focused on helping patients reduce obsessive thoughts, manage compulsive behaviors, and regain a sense of control through individualized treatment plans.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform.

​​​​​​​These obsessions and compulsions can become time-consuming and distressing, often interfering with daily life, relationships, and overall functioning. While the exact cause is not fully understood, OCD is believed to involve a combination of genetic, neurological, behavioral, and environmental factors.

OCD symptoms generally include obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. Common themes may include fear of contamination, harm, mistakes, or needing things to feel “just right.”

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome. These may include excessive cleaning or handwashing, repeated checking, counting, arranging, or silently repeating words or phrases.

While these behaviors may temporarily reduce anxiety, they often reinforce the cycle of OCD over time.​​​​​​​

OCD can present in different ways, including:

• Contamination and cleaning-related OCD
• Checking OCD (locks, appliances, safety concerns)
• Symmetry or ordering OCD
• Intrusive thoughts (harm, taboo, or unwanted thoughts)
• Mental compulsions (repeating words, praying, reviewing thoughts)

Although symptoms vary, all forms of OCD involve the cycle of obsessions and compulsions that can significantly impact daily functioning. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

When should I seek help?

OCD symptoms should be evaluated when obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors begin to interfere with daily routines, work, school, relationships, or emotional well-being.

​​​​​​​It is especially important to seek help if you feel stuck in repetitive thought or behavior patterns that are difficult to control, or if symptoms are causing significant distress or consuming a large amount of time each day. Early treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call our office or request an appointment online.