Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and long-lasting condition characterized by unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors that disrupt daily life. Traditional treatments for OCD include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and antipsychotics. However, these medications may not always be effective, and it can take time to find the right one for you. Our clinic offers a different solution: ketamine therapy.
Ketamine has been used in medicine for its pain-relieving effects, and recent studies suggest that ketamine infusions can effectively treat various mood disorders, including OCD. Finding effective treatment for OCD can be difficult, but our ketamine clinic in Gainesville, FL, provides lasting therapy for conditions that may not respond to traditional treatments. Contact us to schedule your OCD treatment today.
People diagnosed with OCD often try to ignore or stop their obsessions, which increases their distress and anxiety. As a result, they feel compelled to engage in compulsive behaviors to alleviate their stress. Despite their efforts, these compulsions return, leading to repetitive rituals and ongoing cycles of OCD. This condition commonly revolves around specific fears, such as the fear of germs. For example, someone with OCD might wash their hands repeatedly to manage their contamination fears, causing their skin to become sore and irritated.
The causes of OCD are not completely understood, but key theories suggest a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Primary risk factors include having family members with OCD, experiencing traumatic or stressful events, and struggling with other mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Although OCD typically involves both obsessions and compulsions, some individuals may only experience one of these symptoms. Those with OCD may not always recognize that their thoughts and behaviors are excessive or unreasonable, yet these obsessions and compulsions often take up a lot of time and disrupt daily activities, social interactions, and work life.
Obsessions are a common symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder. These are unwanted and intrusive thoughts, urges, or images that cause significant anxiety or distress. People with OCD often attempt to ignore these obsessions or relieve their anxiety by engaging in compulsive behaviors or rituals. Common themes of obsessions include fears of contamination, the need for order and symmetry, aggressive thoughts about harming oneself or others, and intrusive thoughts with sexual or religious content. Examples of obsession signs and symptoms include:
Compulsions involve repetitive behaviors that a person feels compelled to perform. These actions aim to reduce anxiety linked to obsessions but usually provide only short-term relief and no satisfaction. Individuals may have specific rituals to manage their anxiety during obsessive episodes. Compulsions are often excessive and not directly connected to the issues they aim to address. Common compulsion themes include washing, checking, counting, organizing, and following strict routines. Some examples of compulsions are:
At our ketamine infusion clinic in Gainesville, we recognize that CRPS symptoms can differ from person to person. We work with each patient to understand their symptoms and create a treatment plan that addresses their chronic pain requirements and financial situation. Ketamine infusion therapy can often be a more affordable option for managing acute pain than other treatments, and it generally has fewer side effects. Contact us today to see if ketamine infusions are right for you.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is typically treated with a mix of psychotherapy and medications, such as SSRIs and antipsychotics. However, these medications can take months to show full effects, and they often require high dosages, which increases the risk of unpleasant side effects. Moreover, traditional treatments, like Prozac, only work for a small percentage of patients. Ketamine treatment, via infusion therapy, helps repair neurological connections in the body due to its mood-stabilizing properties.
Ketamine infusion is a new OCD treatment method that binds to NMDA glutamate receptors, blocking their communication with other brain parts. This action helps alleviate primary OCD symptoms and starts a healing process in the brain. It targets synaptic brain receptors, affecting the brain’s response to stress and the development of OCD obsessions and compulsions. Low-dose ketamine infusions are also effective in treating various mood disorders, including anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
We provide personalized care for each patient. Ketamine infusion therapy is an effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder that can deliver long-term results in just a few sessions. Our clinic offers various treatment plans to meet different needs. If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder or another mood condition, contact us to learn how our ketamine treatments can help you.
