New Treatment for OCD in Iowa City, Iowa, Provides Fast Relief for Patients

OCD affects 2.5 million adults or 1.2% of the U.S. population, and women are 3 times more likely to be affected than men (ADAA).

Fortunately, new treatment options like ketamine infusion therapy bring new hope to those who have not been able to manage their OCD symptoms using conventional treatment methods.

Ketamine can provide fast relief for symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Unlike many of the current medications and therapies that can take weeks or months to start working, many of our patients report feeling substantial relief after their very first ketamine infusion.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that causes severe anxiety due to repetitive, fearful thoughts that compel you toward certain behaviors. Behaviors like repeated tapping, counting, or hand washing are done in an attempt to relieve anxiety and quiet unwanted, repetitive thought patterns.

Your behaviors, like your own thoughts, are unique to you. They may be more exaggerated in some settings than others and may center on specific themes.

Common OCD behaviors include:

Counting in specific patterns
Counting items around you
Repeating words or phrases
Washing hands
Locking doors or checking the stove
Pulling hair or causing pain in some way

Symptoms may worsen as you age or when you are under extreme stress. Treatment is aimed at relieving the underlying anxiety compelling you toward these behaviors.