Photo of Applied Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatrist in 94025, CA
Applied Clinical Neuroscience
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
"Somethings's GOT to give. I can't take this any more! No one understands. My spouse? No way. The last doctor said "more meds" and spent as much time with the computer as he did with me! My teenager is sad and going no where fast. I think the younger one might have some kind of Asperger's, ADD,OCD,ODD,PSTD or some alphabet soup salad that I'm just supposed to deal with. The counselors out there are just too young to understand what I'm going through. Certainly life wasn't meant to be like this."
"Somethings's GOT to give. I can't take this any more! No one understands. My spouse? No way. The last doctor said "more meds" and spent as much time with the computer as he did with me! My teenager is sad and going no where fast. I think the younger one might have some kind of Asperger's, ADD,OCD,ODD,PSTD or some alphabet soup salad that I'm just supposed to deal with. The counselors out there are just too young to understand what I'm going through. Certainly life wasn't meant to be like this."
(650) 288-6479 View (650) 288-6479
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Psychiatrists

How long does OCD treatment take?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often treated on a weekly or twice-weekly schedule, depending on symptom severity and the client’s preferences. Some clients may start to see a noticeable improvement in symptoms in as little as six weeks, but it’s also possible, especially in more severe cases, for treatment to take several months to a year before significant progress is made.

What happens if OCD is not treated?

Some people with OCD, especially those with mild symptoms, may find that they are able to adapt reasonably well to life with the condition, even if their symptoms never resolve completely. However, many people, particularly those whose symptoms are severe at the outset, find that their obsessions and compulsions grow more intrusive with time, making it harder to maintain relationships, hold down a job, or navigate the world successfully.

Are there medications for OCD?

Medication can be used to treat OCD. The class of drugs most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which include fluvoxamine (under the brand name Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft), among others. In cases of treatment-resistant OCD, other classes of medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics, may be prescribed. Medication is frequently used in conjunction with therapy.

Can OCD come back after treatment?

Yes. Major life transitions, periods of stress, or other factors can cause symptoms to return or, if they were never fully eradicated, to ramp back up in intensity. For some, these relapses are brief and do not require additional treatment; identifying specific triggers and practicing the skills learned in therapy can help speed their course. For others, returning to therapy for a brief period can help address the underlying stress and strengthen coping mechanisms.