OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes anxiety-producing thoughts that compel you to perform repetitive behaviors, creating an ongoing cycle of distress that can consume a substantial part of your daily life. The skilled providers at Reign-Bow Treatment Center in Lombard, Illinois, specialize in Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRTSM). MeRT is a safe, individualized treatment using gentle magnetic pulses to revitalize brain activity and improve your symptoms. Call the office or request an appointment online today if you struggle with OCD despite medical treatment.

What is OCD?

OCD is a serious mental health disorder that causes unwanted and distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Your obsessions cause severe anxiety, giving you an uncontrollable urge to ease the anxiety by performing a specific behavior.

Your compulsive behavior temporarily relieves the anxiety, but eventually, the disturbing thoughts return. Without treatment, the cycle goes on.

Most people with OCD have obsessions and compulsions, but it’s possible to have one without the other. In severe cases, you may spend so much time involved in the repetitive cycle that you can’t fulfill your daily responsibilities.

What obsessions and compulsions might I have?

You could have any number of possible obsessions, but they often revolve around a theme. A few of the most common obsessions include:

• Fear of being harmed
• Need to maintain order and cleanliness
• Fear of becoming violent
• Fear of behaving inappropriately
• Fear of losing important items

Compulsive behaviors often fall in line with your obsessions. For example:

• Being fearful of germs triggers frequent hand washing
• Needing order forces you to constantly rearrange items on a shelf
• Being afraid of harm compels you to repeatedly check doors to be sure they’re locked

You may also have hidden or silent compulsions, such as counting in your head.

How is OCD treated?

Some people regain control of their anxiety, thoughts, and behaviors with therapy and medication. Unfortunately, many don’t seek treatment, while others get treated, but their symptoms don’t improve.

If you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle and nothing helps, you may get the help you need with MeRT, a treatment using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to restore balance.

Your Reign-Bow Treatment Center provider individualizes your MeRT treatment by performing a quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG). The qEEG shows your brainwaves, which come from the electrical activity in nerves (neurons).

OCD is directly related to under-functioning nerve activity. The results of your qEEG reveal the exact part of your brain that’s underactive. Then, your provider uses rTMS to stimulate that area with magnetic pulses.

The pulses restore normal function by increasing nerve activity and communication. As a result, your OCD symptoms get better. 

If you struggle with OCD, don’t wait to seek help. Call Reign-Bow Treatment Center or request an appointment online today.