Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
OCD
What Is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neuropsychiatric condition defined by two key symptoms: persistent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions). These thoughts and behaviors are not simply quirks—they can dominate daily life, causing emotional distress, impairing relationships, and interfering with work or school responsibilities.
While everyone experiences fleeting unwanted thoughts, people with OCD cannot easily dismiss them. Attempts to suppress the obsessions often heighten anxiety, which only reinforces the compulsive behaviors meant to reduce it.
Who Is Affected?
OCD affects approximately 1 in 100 adults in the U.S.
Onset is usually between ages 19–20, though childhood cases are not uncommon.
Boys tend to exhibit symptoms earlier than girls.
OCD affects approximately 1 in 100 adults in the U.S.
Common Symptoms of Learning Disorders
Obsessions may include intrusive thoughts about:
- Germs, contamination, or illness
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Religious, moral, or sexual fears
- Symmetry, precision, or order
- Unwanted aggressive or taboo thoughts
Compulsions are rituals performed to neutralize obsessive thoughts, such as:
- Excessive hand washing or cleaning
- Repeating prayers, words, or actions
- Arranging objects in specific patterns
- Touching items in a particular sequence
- Checking locks, stoves, or appliances repeatedly
- Mental rituals (counting, silent repetition)
Left untreated, OCD can lead to:
- Emotional and physical exhaustion
- Work and school difficulties
- Relationship breakdowns
- Depression and substance abuse
- Suicidal thoughts or panic attacks
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Start feeling better through TMS – transcranial magnetic stimulation.
What causes OCD?
OCD is linked to irregularities in brain circuits that regulate emotion, impulse control, and habit formation. Contributing factors include:
- Overactivity in specific brain regions
- Neuroinflammation
- Childhood trauma or chronic stress
- Serotonin and dopamine imbalances
- Head trauma or neurological injury
- Family history
Why Choose Genesis TMS for OCD?
At Genesis TMS, we use qEEG-based brain imaging to analyze functional overactivity in the
brain and design highly personalized TMS protocols to restore neurobalance.
Our individualized approach focuses on:
- Reducing overactivity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) and basal ganglia.
- Targeting obsessive loops at the neural level.
- Offering non-invasive treatment without medication side effects.
- Monitoring weekly improvements in function, behavior, and symptom relief.
Brain Patterns in OCD shows:
- Increased activity in the basal ganglia, which heightens anxiety and habit-driven behaviors.
- Overactivity in the anterior cingulate gyrus, causing cognitive rigidity and an inability to shift thoughts.
We also treat:
With TMS, we gently guide these brain circuits back into functional balance. Related obsessive-compulsive spectrum conditions.
- Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling)
- Excoriation disorder (skin picking)
- Hoarding disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
- Nail-biting and repetitive behaviors
Why Diagnosis Matters?
OCD is commonly misdiagnosed as ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, or even schizophrenia due to symptom overlap. A wrong diagnosis can worsen the condition. For example, stimulant medications for ADHD may exacerbate obsessive behaviors.
At Genesis TMS, we don’t guess—we measure. Our brain-focused diagnostics help pinpoint the precise cause of symptoms and guide treatment that heals, not masks.
Genesis TMS Centers.
Schedule a Consultation
- TMS@genesis.com
- (209) 222-1387
- www.TMSGenesis.com