There is a widespread misconception about what obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) actually is and what it’s like for people who really suffer from it. It’s common to see phrases like “You’re so OCD” and “I love a clean house! so OCD”. The truth is that obsessive-compulsive disorder isn’t just an eccentricity or habit. Every time OCD is trivialized another person suffering will decide to keep quiet because others think their illness is nothing.
In reality, obsessive-compulsive disorder is a serious anxiety disorder that affects approximately 1 in 40 adults and 1 in 100 children in the U.S. “Severe OCD takes such a toll on patients,” says Carolyn Rodriguez, MD, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford.
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
A medical diagnosis of OCD is the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions that are distressing, feel out of control, and disrupt a person’s daily life for more than one hour a day. Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that cause distressing emotions such as anxiety or disgust. The disruption to everyday life caused by these intrusive thoughts cannot be resolved by logic or reasoning. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels compelled to perform to prevent or reduce the distress caused by the obsession. In the most severe cases, a constant repetition of rituals may fill the day, making a normal routine impossible.
Doctors aren’t sure why some people’s anxiety disorder develops into OCD. There is no cure, but the right treatment and therapy can help manage the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) typically take 2 to 4 months to work, if they are going to work at all, and often provide only limited symptom relief. However, the SSRIs (for example Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft, etc.) are still the only medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. If a patient’s symptoms persist then stronger antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed such as Abilify or Risperdal. These too only work in some patients and often carry significant side effects.
Ketamine – Proven Effective in Combatting OCD
In contrast, multiple studies over the past ten years have shown ketamine as a highly effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder1. Ketamine infusions work almost immediately and with fewer side effects. These clinical studies conclusively demonstrated the anti-obsessional effects of ketamine infusion and showed relief from a single infusion typically lasting at least one week. This explains why patients receiving the Ketamine Wellness Centers’ maintenance program can finally experience sustained relief from being controlled by their OCD.
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Testimonials
I have suffered from nearly total body CRPS for over 20 years. I’ve had numerous surgeries and procedures to manage the neurological, blow torch pain. Much to my disappointment, they were only temporary and the CRPS continued to spread leaving me in a wheelchair or bedridden. My quality of life had become sadly inadequate. My…
I came to Ketamine Wellness Center in Federal way as a last resort. I have been experiencing debilitating depression and anxiety for years and conventional therapies were not successful for me. I must say that from intake to the first treatment, I was expertly cared for. I would like to highlight the clinical administrator, Winston…
After being misdiagnosed, abused, ignored, and hurt by so many medical “professionals”, it was actually overwhelming to me to be treated kindly and with such respect. It brought me to tears.
If you’ve suffered, then you know. Now, there is hope. Ketamine Infusion Therapy can give you your life back. KWC is truly the Gold Standard!
Houston, TX Patient
For the first time ever, I feel positive of the outcome. Ketamine therapy is not widely publicized but it works!
Denver, CO Patient
I’m not being hyperbolic when I say KWC saved my life. Compassionate and caring, KWC Denver genuinely cares about you getting better.
Seattle, WA Patient
For anyone suffering from depressive symptoms, anxiety and/or PTSD, there is hope. It is truly a miracle and I will be eternally grateful!
Dallas, TX Patient
I was thrilled to hear that they are now in our network. They control my pain better than anyone else. The rooms are private and the nurses and medics are the best. Highly recommend them.
Tucson, AZ Patient
This treatment has changed my life. I once could not even think about walking around the block and now I walk 4 miles a day.
Minneapolis-St Paul, MN Patient
Simply put, Ketamine Wellness Centers has saved my life. I was at the end of my rope dealing with chronic nerve pain due to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome when I found KWC and I’m so glad I did.
Pam W.
I started 6 months ago & have more energy, enjoy being around people, laugh more, & have hope for the future.
Labin S.
I have been given a freedom from my chronic pain. I can move in ways that would rack me with pain before. I can go places without hoping there is a place to sit if my back flairs.
Sara R.
I owe my life to these people and the care they have given me. I would definitely recommend them for anyone who hasn’t been able to find relief through typical medication options.
Jenae M.
The sheer positivity of this place is indescribable and I could feel it immediately upon my arrival. The team just literally wants people to feel better and they are fun, nice, personable, professional and again the most supportive individuals I’ve had the pleasure to meet. Words cannot describe the amount of gratitude I hold in…
Julie V.
From the very first phone call to every single treatment, I’ve never been more impressed by a clinic.
Monique S.
My husband has gone from being in constant survival mode, to (and I can’t believe I’m actually saying this) enjoying life! We are able to have a partnership and engagement in our marriage that I have only had moments of prior. After seeing him drowning for so long, it is joyous to actually see him…
Rosemary D.
The folks in this office are completely professional, caring and knowledgeable. If you suffer from depression, this is a great treatment for almost anyone.
Denver, CO Patient
I made the call and it was the best thing I could have done for myself. I am now back to work, I have quality of life back, and I do maintenance infusions to stay on track. The kindness and attention to detail that this center provides is top notch. You really are the number…
Wilma H.
For the first time in 2 1/2 years I found relief!! After my first infusion I had ZERO thoughts of suicide! The staff at Ketamine Wellness Center supported me through the entire process. It was seamless. I can not praise them enough
Jacqueline P.
I highly recommend that if you suffer from depression that has lasted a long time with no real relief from it, try ketamine. I am so glad that I gave it a try because I am managing my life well for the first time.
Adam
I’m living a truly anxiety free life, and I haven’t had an acutely depressive/suicidal episode since last winter. There is zero doubt in my mind that ketamine made all of that possible and is the reason why I am a happy, highly functioning member of society, who happens also to be healthier than ever, even…
Jenn R.
Having over 15 years of personal experience dealing with medical providers, I have seen my fair share of good and bad. The KWC staff is beyond compassionate and not due to a paycheck. They truly treat you as an individual and not just a medical patient. They helped me remember hope. To me…that’s priceless.
Kristine C.
I haven’t had a major anxiety attack for over a year now. For so many years. it was a weekly thing. I’m just so grateful for finding KWC and everything you have done for me. Thank you for giving me my life back. ♡♡
Lendsey G.
The energy and zen that I feel in KWC-Mesa/Phoenix is one that’s incomparable and i am forever grateful to have been apart of the healing process they offer.
Frank R.
I was literally at the end of my rope, over 30 years of taking every pill ever made for depression. This therapy quieted all of the symptoms I had and has allowed me to enjoy my family and friends again. Flat out saved my life!
Sources:
1Rodriguez, C., Kegeles, L., Levinson, A. et al. Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial of Ketamine in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Proof-of-Concept. Neuropsychopharmacol 38, 2475–2483 (2013).