Ashley Hughes, PMHNP-FNP
Phone 704-610-6434
OCD Treatment in Cornelius, across North Carolina
OCD can be much more complicated than what people typically picture when they hear the term “obsessive-compulsive disorder.” You may be dealing with intrusive thoughts that you don't want to have, constant doubts, repeated checking, reassurance-seeking, mental reviewing, or a feeling that you have to be completely certain before you can move on. And sometimes, the compulsions aren't visible at all.
At Aligned Psychiatric Care, I provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management for individuals experiencing OCD symptoms. My approach is personalized to the individual rather than simply treating a diagnosis on paper.
The goal isn't to make you feel like you have to “control” every thought. It's to understand what's happening, identify the patterns that are interfering with your life, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
OCD treatment for patients in Charlotte, Lake Norman, and throughout North Carolina
An OCD evaluation involves more than asking whether someone has anxiety. We look at what kinds of thoughts or fears are occurring, how often they occur, and what you do in response to them.
OCD and anxiety can occur together, but OCD has specific patterns of obsessions and compulsions.
Effective OCD treatment often involves more than simply trying to stop the thoughts.
Frequently asked Questions- OCD
OCD can be confusing and often misunderstood, especially when intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors become part of everyday life. Below are answers to some of the common questions I hear about OCD, including symptoms, evaluation, treatment, and medication options.
1
Can OCD cause intrusive thoughts?
Yes. Intrusive thoughts, images, or urges are a common part of OCD. These thoughts are unwanted and can cause significant distress, particularly when a person feels responsible for preventing something bad from happening.
2
Does having intrusive thoughts mean I want to act on them?
No. An unwanted intrusive thought does not mean that you want to act on it or that it reflects your intentions or character. A thorough evaluation can help distinguish intrusive thoughts from genuine intent or other symptoms.
3
Is OCD an anxiety disorder?
OCD and anxiety frequently overlap, but OCD is classified separately from anxiety disorders. OCD involves patterns of obsessions and/or compulsions that can become time-consuming and interfere with daily functioning.
4
Can OCD be treated with medication?
Yes. Evidence-based psychotherapy, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is an important treatment for OCD. Medication may also be appropriate for some individuals- I review medication options and potential benefits during evaluation.
5
Can OCD occur with ADHD or anxiety?
Yes. OCD can occur alongside ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. A comprehensive evaluation considers the full symptom picture.
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