Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Psychiatrists in 92124
David Lindley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92124
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I approach psychiatric care with a holistic perspective and a focus on your overall well-being. My practice is grounded in psychotropic medication management, bolstered by a commitment to your lifestyle, diet, exercise, and daily habits. I specialize in caring for individuals aged 18 to 65, with a focus on psychotropic medication management. I am most comfortable treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and Panic Disorder.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I approach psychiatric care with a holistic perspective and a focus on your overall well-being. My practice is grounded in psychotropic medication management, bolstered by a commitment to your lifestyle, diet, exercise, and daily habits. I specialize in caring for individuals aged 18 to 65, with a focus on psychotropic medication management. I am most comfortable treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and Panic Disorder.
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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.