Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Psychiatry and medication management located in Sioux Falls and Yankton, South Dakota. Telehealth available in Washington, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex and often misunderstood condition that can deeply impact your daily life, work, school, and relationships. At Elevate Minds Psychiatry, our experienced team provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs. We offer a range of treatment options, including therapy, emerging approaches, and convenient telemedicine visits.

OCD involves persistent, unwanted thoughts called obsessions, which cause intense anxiety. To ease this anxiety, you might feel driven to perform certain repetitive behaviors or rituals known as compulsions. While these actions bring temporary relief, they often trap you in a cycle that’s hard to break. These obsessions and compulsions can interfere with your ability to function and enjoy life.

If you’re ready to explore personalized treatment options, call us or schedule an appointment online today.
Many people with OCD experience both obsessions and compulsions, but some may have just one or the other.

Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts or urges that come up suddenly and cause distress. Common types of obsessions include:

  • Unwanted sexual thoughts
  • Fear of germs, dirt, or contamination
  • A strong need for things to be symmetrical or perfectly ordered
  • Worries about saying or doing something inappropriate in public
  • Fear of accidentally harming yourself or others

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts you feel driven to do to ease the anxiety caused by these thoughts. Examples might be excessive hand-washing, repeatedly checking that doors are locked, constant cleaning, or arranging objects in a specific way.
Experts believe that a combination of genetics, life experiences, and personality traits can increase the likelihood of developing OCD. Some common risk factors include:

  • A family history of OCD or other anxiety disorders
  • Childhood trauma, such as abuse or bullying
  • Major stressful events
  • Pregnancy or childbirth
  • Substance use or abuse

OCD most often begins in childhood or early adulthood, with symptoms typically appearing before the age of 40.




Treatment for OCD often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle strategies tailored to your unique needs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), especially a technique called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is considered the gold standard for helping you face and gradually reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also help balance brain chemistry and ease symptoms. Additionally, holistic approaches like mindfulness, stress management, and support groups can provide valuable tools to manage anxiety and improve overall well-being. At Elevate Minds Psychiatry, we work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that supports lasting relief and better quality of life.






What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?

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