Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be hard to identify and define.  In fact, there are different types of OCD symptoms, with clinicians and researchers suggesting that OCD is divided into different types, depending on the symptoms experienced. 
​
Read on to find out the different types of OCD to help you learn more about the condition, so you can understand yourself or loved ones who may have this disorder.
​

There are various types of OCD, which can impact any person, thought, fear, or subject.
​

This is the fear of being contaminated or dirty, worrying, and fearing that it would cause harm to themselves or those they love. Those affected with this type would most likely feel extreme discomfort with anything connected with contamination. One would clean or wash excessively as a way to reduce the distressful feeling, or even avoiding any area they feel is dirty or contaminated.
Cleaning and washing may also be done multiple times, with rituals of repetitive washing until the person feels clean. It’s done more compared to someone without OCD, to the point it impacts the person’s quality of life.
​

Hoarding is the inability to dispose of useless and/or worn-out items they own. Now, it is recognized as a distinct diagnosis under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5)
One may collect various items that are seen as a limited value to those without OCD. It can be hoarding old magazines, receipts, clothes, notes, containers, among other things. The hoarding can get so intense that the living area is consumed with clutter, making it difficult to live in.
Hoarding may come with an obsessional fear of losing things that might be used in the future or being excessively attached to hoarded items.
​

If someone experiences this obsession, you would feel a very strong need to arrange and/or rearrange items until they are “right” according to your standards. 
For instance, someone with OCD with symmetry obsessions may want to constantly arrange their clothes to organize it by color or other suitable categories.
Besides this, symmetry obsession may involve thinking or saying words over again until it is "perfect". These arranging, counting or ordering compulsions are done to avoid any potential consequences or dangers.
​

This is a type of OCD that’s usually related to unwanted obsessions of themes falling under those that are aggressive, religious, or sexual. For instance, one may have intrusive thoughts about being a criminal or attacking someone. 
People who experience this type of OCD would use mental rituals to relieve these kinds of involuntary thoughts. It can be through reciting specific words, counting, avoiding the triggers, or even praying to relieve any anxiety.
​

If someone experiences this type of OCD, they most likely experience intense thoughts of harming themselves or other people. For instance, one may imagine their house burning down, going back to their place to ensure there isn't any fire and that all fire hazards are switched off.

Learning more about the different types of OCD can help you understand the disorder better, whether you or a loved one have this condition. If you do feel like you experience any of these symptoms, check with your health provider for the appropriate treatments and medication to start recovering.  If you are within Texas and do not have a current psychiatrist, give us a call at 281-849-4080 for a psychiatric consultation.

​Everyone has mood swings.  There are highs, lows and everything in between.  A mood disorder is when someone experiences inordinately long periods of extreme emotion, which can be happiness or sadness or both.  The most common mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder.
 
Depression
This is the more common mood disorder.  Depression can occur with a traumatic life event like loss of a loved one, loss of a job, major illness, etc.  It can also be spontaneous.   

• Postpartum depression – This is a depression associated with pregnancy and may occur during the pregnancy or following delivery.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder – This is sometimes referred to as dysthymia.  This is a depression that will last for two years or more.  The symptoms may lessen during that time, but although less severe, they still remain.
• Psychotic Depression – This is a severe form of the disorder that involves hallucinations and delusions.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – This is one you hear about generally during the winter especially if it is a winter with consistently overcast skies or weather that keeps people indoors.
• Medically Related – This comes about due to medication side effects, substance abuse or during a medical condition.

 
Bipolar Disorder
This has also been called manic-depression.  These are episodes of severe depression alternating with extreme activity and elation (mania).

• Bipolar I – Classified as the most severe form of the disease, the episodes will last a minimum of a week, depression will last for up to two weeks, and both the mania and depression can occur simultaneously.
• Bipolar II – This is a less severe form of the disease.  The mania is less intense and these people can frequently handle activities of daily living.
• Cyclothymia – People with this illness have continuous but irregular mood swings that may vary from mild to moderate levels but for extended periods of time.  There are usually only short periods of normalcy and the mood changes can occur quickly.
• Other – If someone has abnormal mood changes but does not fit into any of the above categories, it is placed in the catchall “other” diagnosis.  These include premenstrual dysphoric disorder and intermittent explosive disorder.

 
Symptoms
While the symptoms will vary depending on the type of mood disorder here are some indicators:

• Depression
  • Sadness daily or most of the time
  • Low to no energy
  • Feelings of low self worth
  • Loss of appetite, weight gain
  • Sleep issues
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Thoughts of death and suicide
• Bipolar
  • Unusually rapid speech or movements
  • Grandiosity
  • Agitation
  • Racing thoughts
  • Insomnia to the extreme
  • Feeling edgy for no apparent reason
  • Overly risk taking like gambling or reckless driving

 
The cause for mood disorders can include genetic (family history), biological, and environmental.  Bipolar disorders are associated with the structure and function in the brain.  Our psychiatrists in Houston are considered experts in mood disorders.  If you believe you may be experiencing a mood disorder, contact us today.

​In this age of social media and the growth of the internet, businesses are developing a stronger online presence. Fortunately, this makes it easier to get in contact with a good therapist from the comfort of your home. But, the sheer number of websites can make it challenging to find a good one. Here are some key things you need to look out for to recognize a good therapist website.

Organized Structure

The first impression on a good website is the homepage, and its structure may determine if you continue to skim the website. What you need is a clean homepage with a good headline and a section that clearly states the services offered. A clean homepage is a sign of organization, and it shows you exactly what to expect from the therapist. When a website’s homepage is too cluttered, their message is lost, and prospective patients are less sure about whether this therapist will relate to them.

User-Friendly Interface

Poor navigation is a common issue with many websites, and it can discourage you from continuing on the site. Searching for information on a website that doesn’t have a good layout can be very frustrating, especially when you need something specific. A good tip is to check that a website has a menu that puts everything into sections for you to navigate quickly.

Simple and Creative Information

A website that has clunky and cluttered information doesn’t give the right impression of the therapist in charge. You should be able to quickly understand the information on the website, without it sounding too robotic or generic. Simple information makes your search easy and lets you choose a therapist that is suited to your needs.

Personal Information

A therapist website should include some detailed information about the therapist.  I certainly prefer to know where therapists have trained and what is the current view of my particular concerns.  It is nice to see a professional photo that will help give me an idea about who I will be relating to in sessions. Details about therapies offered are essential, especially if you have specific needs from the therapist.

Straightforward Contact Details

You’re more likely to contact the therapist directly if they have a quick access contact button than if you have to copy an email address or phone number. The first step to booking a session is getting into contact with the therapist’s office, so a button that makes it easier is a plus.

A Concise List of Specialties and Experience

Once you log in to any website, it only takes you a short time to find out what services they offer, and if you don’t find that quickly, it can be frustrating. You should check first to ensure that the website has an exhaustive list detailing all the services and programs that they offer. It is more convenient for both parties, and it cuts down on your search time.


The search for a good therapist can be time-consuming and exhausting, especially when you don’t have one in mind. These tips can help you to shorten your search time, help you have a more productive experience, and narrow down your list quicker. 

Everyone has times when they are sad, lose interest, or are anxious.  However, when these feelings persist, it can lead to a number of emotional and even physical problems.  As these feelings grow, the individual may develop difficulty with basic activities like personal hygiene and managing meals. 
 
Depression is a medical condition that can improve with treatment or decline with lack of intervention. 
 
It can begin as a result of a traumatic event like the loss of a loved one, divorce, unemployment, etc.  It can also be a result of a family history of mood disorders.  If as a child you experienced some traumatic event, there can be some lingering feelings that need to be resolved.  Medical conditions can also lead to a depressive state.  Sometimes these are medication induced and sometimes the realization that you are no longer in control of certain bodily functions.
 
The good news is this is a treatable condition.  There are some medications and certainly therapeutic remedies available.  Here are some of the more common symptoms of clinical depression.

• Sadness, gloom, excessive crying
• Feeling of emptiness
• Outbursts of anger, especially over trivial issues
• Excessive sleeping or continual insomnia
• Eating disorders like overeating or reduced appetite
• Loss of interest in a favorite activity or hobby
• Slow reactions like speaking or thinking; inability to follow conversations
• Thoughts or actions of self harm

 
There can be many differences in how children and adolescents experience depression.  This can include refusing to attend classes, insecurity shown through clinging to a person or object, and eating disorders.  Because of the extensive hormonal changes, teenage depression can sometimes be overlooked.  Some warning signs include sudden poor academic performance, use of recreational drugs or alcohol, and social isolation.
 
Likewise, older adults may often consider sadness a normal part of the aging process. This is incorrect. Some things to watch for are personality changes, avoiding group activities and gatherings, and, again, self harm.  Abrupt changes in the aging process is a sign that something is  wrong.  
 
If you feel that you are depressed, it is important to seek help from a reputable mental health professional.  If you simply have concerns, start by speaking with a trusted friend, relative, religious leader, or someone whose opinion you value.  There are also toll-free services for you to call and discuss your feelings.  These are manned by impartial but caring individuals who can help you understand your feelings and the next steps to take.
 
If you are a relative or friend, you can also find a service to help you cope with the situation.  There are reliable techniques that can be beneficial.
 
Any attempts at self harm should be taken seriously and place a call to 911 emergency services immediately. 

Depression counseling is effective for clinical depression. Depression can pose a serious mental health issue for those who suffer from it, and it can come in many forms such as:

• Major depressive order
• Persistent depressive order
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Postpartum depression
• Bipolar disorder

 
The symptoms include sadness, loss of enjoyment in things that previously held interest, difficulty concentrating and more.  However, depression responds quite well to therapeutic counseling and anti-depressant medications.  The individual will need to find an appropriate counselor, psychotherapist, or psychologist.  This professional will be able to help the person find the root cause of the problem and then develop effective strategies to cope with the situation and others that may arise in the future.
 
Treatment for depression is often called “talk therapy”.  Counseling is frequently the first step or even the solution for mild or moderate depression.  If the condition is severe, the patient may consider seeing a licensed psychiatrist for pharmaceuticals to bridge the gap.
 
The counselor will start by determining the extent of the depression and how long they have been experiencing it.  He or she will also determine the severity of the disorder.  If the onset is fairly recent and does not have deeper impact on other feelings, a counselor is a good choice.  On the other hand, with a more severe case, the patient may be referred to another therapist if a specific specialist is warranted.
 
The treatment will involve discussions between the patient and therapist to understand the underlying issues.  Homework assignments may be recommended to help track moods and situations.  The counselor will also adjust any sessions depending on the progress of the patient.  Another method is the use of interpersonal therapy that deals with conflict of personalities and with an inadequate social support system that can lead to depression.
 
The ultimate goal is to discover the underlying causes for these thoughts, feelings, and the resulting behaviors.  With that knowledge the individual can develop alternatives and coping mechanisms to work through current issues and to help with future situations.  This is a patient focused therapy where the individual is an active participant in the decisions.
 
An important factor is finding the right mental health professional that suits the patient.  Because the therapy is one-on-one and highly personal, it may take several tries before the connection is made.  Start by asking your family practice doctor or working through a mental health facility in your area.  When you have some names, go online and read about them.  Frequently they will list their preferred forms of treatment and specialties.  
 
The important thing to realize is that there is a good success rate in treating depression.  There are a number of different types of approaches and effective medications.  Getting help and resolving the problem is a reachable goal.  Call us today for an assessment.