Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prescriptions for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

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Can a doctor address obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) on Laso MD?

Certainly. In certain instances, a doctor on Laso MD can aid in diagnosing obsessive-compulsive disorder through a comprehensive psychological evaluation. This involves discussing your feelings, symptoms, and behavioral patterns that may be impacting your quality of life.

Additionally, the doctor may conduct an OCD test, utilizing criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), available through the American Psychiatric Association.

Given that OCD shares symptoms with various other mental illnesses, such as depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders, diagnosis can be complex. Your doctor may recommend additional assessments before proposing specific OCD treatments, including medications.

 

Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Certainly, our physicians can prescribe medications through online consultations. Once you accept a prescription, you can choose to pick it up from any pharmacy or have it conveniently delivered to your door at no extra cost.

 

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is categorized as a mental illness. Individuals affected by OCD may encounter obsessive thoughts or urges, along with a compulsion to perform repetitive behaviors. In some instances, individuals may experience both obsessive and compulsive tendencies.

Common themes among those experiencing obsessions include:

  • A need for symmetry or orderliness
  • Difficulty tolerating uncertainty or severe doubting
  • Fear of dirt or contamination
  • Unwanted thoughts involving sexual or religious subjects
  • Aggressive thoughts about losing control and harming themselves or others

Compulsions also exhibit common themes, such as:

  • Counting while performing an action
  • Excessive washing and cleaning
  • Strict adherence to routines, causing severe anxiety if deviated
  • Fixation on maintaining orderliness
  • Repeatedly checking things
  • Regularly seeking reassurance

 

What are the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

OCD symptoms vary based on whether an individual experiences obsessive or compulsive symptoms. In some cases, patients may exhibit symptoms from both categories.

Common obsessive symptoms include:

  • Intense anxiety when things are orderly or set in a specific way
  • Unpleasant or aggressive sexual images
  • Doubts about whether an action has been performed
  • Fear of contamination
  • Thoughts of harming others
  • Fantasizing about inappropriate behavior in public

Common compulsive symptoms include:

  • Arranging objects in specific ways
  • Repeatedly checking to ensure things are off or closed
  • Excessive handwashing
  • Counting in specific patterns
  • Repeating a word or phrase aloud or mentally

 

What causes obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

The precise causes of OCD remain unclear. Some theories propose biological factors (changes in body chemistry), genetic factors (specific or mutated genes, possibly hereditary), or learning (developed over time from observed or learned habits). However, the specific physical causes have not been definitively identified.

 

What causes obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to worsen?

Several risk factors may contribute to the onset or worsening of OCD symptoms. Stressful or traumatic life events commonly trigger symptoms. Genetic predisposition, with a family history of OCD, may also increase susceptibility.

OCD may be associated with other mental health disorders, including substance abuse, depression, anxiety disorders, or tic disorders.

 

How is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) diagnosed?

To diagnose OCD, a psychological evaluation is typically conducted by your doctor. This assessment considers your mental state, daily behavioral patterns, and experienced symptoms. Additionally, an OCD test based on DSM-5 criteria may be administered.

 

How is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treated?

OCD treatment often involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Depending on the severity, long-term or intensive treatment may be necessary. Recommendations for the best course of action will be provided after a comprehensive evaluation.

 

What is Laso MD?

With Laso MD, you can swiftly connect with a doctor or psychotherapist to discuss your symptoms. It’s a healthcare app providing fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian healthcare professionals. By logging in and requesting a consultation, you can connect with a doctor via live chat or video. Visit our How it Works page to learn more about how our healthcare professionals can assess symptoms and provide treatment, including prescriptions when needed.

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