What Most Don't Know About OCD

When people think of obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as OCD, they often imagine someone obsessed with cleaning, organizing, or other behaviors. To an outside perspective, their symptoms might be easy to understand, or completely nonsensical. Everyone has different obsessions and compulsions, which is why OCD should be treated on a case-by-case basis.

At Ketalink Ketamine Center in Levittown, New York, our providers specialize in ketamine-based therapy for a wide range of mental health issues, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

What most people don’t know

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is surrounded by a fair share of misconceptions. It’s not unusual for people to lump patients together, assuming they all have the same experiences. This is rarely the case.

Even if two people share a compulsion, like washing their hands, they might have different reasons, different triggers, and different definitions of “clean.” This is why patients with OCD shouldn’t be classified as identical, even if they share obsessions or compulsions.

People can also experience a mix of these symptoms. Additionally, this is why there are no different types of OCD; instead, the symptoms themselves are sorted into different categories:

• Cleaning and contamination, or a fear of dirt, germs, and other contaminants 
• Forbidden thoughts, whether they are rooted in social, sexual, or religious taboos
• Hoarding, in which a patient focuses on saving, collecting, and preserving objects 
• Symmetry and organization, which places an emphasis on counting and organization

Symptoms of OCD can fall outside these categories as well; many patients have unique beliefs and behaviors that set them apart from others.

It’s generally understood that OCD has no cure. However, there are plenty of treatment routes, such as learned coping mechanisms, antidepressants, and antianxiety medications to manage symptoms. With ketamine therapy, you can achieve deeper, more lasting relief.

How ketamine can help

Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to remember that no two people experience OCD the same way. Talk therapy and antidepressants might provide stability and relief for one person, but another may struggle with this treatment plan.

If you’ve achieved little success with therapy and medication, it might be time to consider alternative solutions.

Ketamine infusions have been gaining popularity as a form of mental health treatment, especially for conditions like depression. As our understanding of ketamine improves, doctors are exploring new applications for the drug.

Naturally, those with similar conditions like anxiety and OCD are interested in trying ketamine therapy for themselves. At Ketalink Ketamine Center, our team can go over your symptoms and expectations before deciding whether ketamine is right for you.

All infusions take place in a calm, controlled environment that gives you the security you need to relax. As the ketamine takes hold, you can expect greater clarity, changes to your mood, and reduced feelings of anxiety.

To learn more and find out whether ketamine is right for you, schedule a consultation by calling 516-703-4937, or book an appointment online today.