Parental accommodations in the context of childhood OCD refer to actions or behaviors that parents may unintentionally engage in to ease their child's distress or accommodate their OCD rituals. While accommodations are often well-intentioned, they can reinforce and perpetuate OCD symptoms. It's essential for parents to work with mental health professionals to reduce these accommodations gradually.

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a critical role in many brain functions, including learning, memory, and mood regulation. It is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Glutamate receptors are proteins located on the surface of nerve cells (neurons) that respond to the binding of glutamate molecules, leading to various neuronal responses. There are several types of glutamate receptors, but two of the most well-known classes are NMDA receptors and AMPA receptors.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood and anxiety, in the brain.

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications commonly used to treat anxiety and related disorders due to their calming and sedative effects. While they can be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, they are generally not considered a first-line treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and there are several reasons for this.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition, and numerous studies have contributed to our understanding of its causes, mechanisms, and treatment approaches. Here are some notable and influential studies that have contributed to the field of OCD research.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neurostimulation technique used in the treatment of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). TMS involves delivering focused magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain to modulate neural activity. 

Deciding whether to tackle OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) or anxiety first depends on the severity of each condition, how they interact, and your individual needs. It's important to note that OCD is actually classified as an anxiety disorder, as it involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors driven by anxiety.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can manifest in myriad ways, including being focused around the act of during. At Kairos Wellness Collective, we treat individuals who are limited by fears or compulsions related to driving, which might reduce their ability to earn a living, transport family, or even leave the home.

Experiencing a plateau in OCD recovery is not uncommon and can be a frustrating and disheartening phase. A plateau refers to a period where progress in managing OCD symptoms seems to stall, and individuals may feel stuck or unable to make further improvements in their recovery. 

Irreality OCD, also known as Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder (DP/DR), is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive and distressing obsessions related to feelings of unreality or detachment from oneself or the surrounding environment.

OCD and insomnia can intersect in several ways, often exacerbating each other and creating a challenging cycle for individuals experiencing both conditions. The relationship between OCD and insomnia can vary depending on the individual and the specific nature of their symptoms, but here are some common intersections.

The Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS). Instructions: The following questions should be answered about your use of the internet for private purposes. This assessment can help you determine your level Compulsive Internet Use.

People can become compulsive with internet use due to various factors and underlying psychological mechanisms. Here are a few common reasons.

Perfectionism is a personality trait or mindset characterized by striving for flawlessness, setting excessively high standards, and demanding perfection in one's own performance, achievements, or outcomes. Individuals with perfectionistic tendencies tend to be highly critical of their own work and have an intense fear of making mistakes or falling short of their own or others' expectations.

PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) is a subtype of pediatric OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) that is believed to have an abrupt onset following a streptococcal infection, usually Group A streptococcus (GAS).

Chronic people pleasing, a term that has entered into popular jargon (and thus been diluted), refers to a persistent pattern of behavior where an individual consistently prioritizes the needs and desires of others over their own, often at the expense of their own well-being and personal boundaries.

Perfectionism can be associated with both obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety, but it is not synonymous with either condition. Unfortunately, perfectionism can be truly difficult to treat, especially because it has a tendency to be ego-syntonic (ie. the person and their perfectionism are fundamentally in congruence).

Unfortunately, the recent rise to fame of the concept of hoarding has led to many societal misconceptions. Just as many people make unhelpful comments such as “I’m so OCD” on social media, the use of “hoarding” as a verb has really affected the widely held understanding of what hoarding actually is.

Restricted eating refers to a pattern of highly selective or limited food intake that goes beyond typical dietary preferences or restrictions. It is often associated with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, but it can also be observed in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who have specific food-related obsessions and compulsions.

At Kairos Wellness Collective, we use creative and fun interventions to work with OCD and anxiety disorders. One of our most popular group interventions is Dungeons and Dragons (D&D).