OCD

Do you or a loved one struggle with obsessive thoughts or behaviors that interfere with your daily life? If so, consider visiting Dreamscape Ketamine and Wellness in San Diego, California, for a comprehensive evaluation. Founder Lindsey Garrett, RN, MBA, CCRN, and team member Benjamin Illum, MD, provide superior care and personalized treatment for those who have challenges with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Schedule an appointment by phone today or book online. 

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

OCD is a mental health condition characterized by recurring, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. If you have OCD, these obsessions and compulsions can significantly interfere with your daily activities, relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

OCD includes two categories:

Obsessions

These are persistent, unwanted thoughts, impulses, or images that cause distress. They can include fears of contamination, doubts about safety or harm, or a need for symmetry or order.

Compulsions

These include repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed to reduce anxiety or prevent perceived harm. These behaviors might involve excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or repeating specific actions.

Is OCD a genetic disorder?

OCD is believed to have a genetic component. While not entirely genetically determined, having a family history of OCD or related mental health conditions can increase the likelihood of developing the disorder. However, environmental factors and life experiences also play a role in its onset.

Can ketamine infusion therapy help my OCD?

At Dreamscape Ketamine and Wellness, ketamine infusion therapy is a potential treatment for OCD, especially for individuals who haven’t responded well to traditional therapies like antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Ketamine, when administered through intravenous infusion, influences certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as glutamate, and impacts neural pathways associated with mood regulation and obsessive thinking. 

It’s believed to reset certain neural connections, which can interrupt the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Research investigating the use of ketamine infusion therapy for OCD is ongoing, with preliminary studies suggesting promising results in reducing OCD symptoms, particularly in treatment-resistant cases. 

As with any medical treatment, before ketamine infusion therapy can be administered, the Dreamscape Ketamine and Wellness medical team must first complete a comprehensive evaluation. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and may involve a combination of therapies.

During your consultation, your provider discusses the treatment’s potential benefits, risks, and alternatives in managing OCD.

To learn more about OCD and to find out if ketamine infusion therapy is right for you, call the friendly office staff today or click on the contact page to book online now.