OCD Treatment in Hamilton, NJ

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) traps people in a loop of unwanted thoughts and the rituals used to quiet them. At Hamilton Psychiatric Services in Hamilton, NJ, Dr. Mirza treats OCD with medication, psychotherapy and FDA-cleared BrainsWay Deep TMS, one of the few TMS systems cleared specifically for OCD.

What Is OCD?

OCD has two parts that feed each other:

• Obsessions: unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges that cause anxiety, disgust or doubt.
• Compulsions: repeated actions or mental rituals done to reduce that distress or prevent something bad from happening.

The relief from a compulsion is short-lived, so the cycle repeats. Most people with OCD know their fears are out of proportion, which can add shame and make it harder to ask for help. OCD is a recognized medical condition, and it responds to treatment.

Common OCD Symptoms

Common obsessions

• Fear of germs, contamination or illness
• Fear of causing harm to yourself or others by accident
• Unwanted violent, sexual or religious thoughts
• A need for things to feel "just right," symmetrical or exact
• Persistent doubt, such as whether the stove is off or the door is locked

Common compulsions

• Excessive washing or cleaning
• Checking locks, appliances or your own actions again and again
• Counting, tapping or repeating words or actions
• Arranging items until they feel right
• Seeking reassurance or mentally reviewing events

It may be time to see a psychiatrist if these thoughts and rituals take up a lot of your day, cause distress, or get in the way of work, school or relationships.

How We Treat OCD

Psychiatric Evaluation

Dr. Mirza starts with a full psychiatric evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and check for conditions that often occur alongside OCD, such as depression, other anxiety disorders or ADHD.

Medication

SSRIs are the most commonly used medications for OCD. OCD often needs higher doses and more time than depression before the full effect is seen, so careful medication management and regular follow-up are important.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you change your relationship with intrusive thoughts. Exposure and response prevention (ERP), a specialized form of CBT, is the best-studied therapy for OCD: it gradually teaches you to face triggers without performing the ritual. Dr. Mirza will discuss whether ERP should be part of your plan. Learn more about psychotherapy at our practice.

BrainsWay Deep TMS for OCD

In 2018, BrainsWay Deep TMS became FDA-cleared as an add-on treatment for adults with OCD. It uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain circuits involved in OCD. Treatment is non-invasive, needs no anesthesia, and you can drive yourself to each session. Deep TMS is usually considered when medication and therapy have not been enough. See our Deep TMS therapy page for details on the process, safety and insurance.

Why Choose Hamilton Psychiatric Services for OCD?

• One psychiatrist, every option. Medication, therapy and Deep TMS are planned and adjusted by the same board-certified psychiatrist.
• FDA-cleared Deep TMS for OCD on site. Patients from across Mercer County come to our Hamilton office, including from Trenton, Lawrenceville and Princeton.
• 30+ years of experience treating anxiety and obsessive-compulsive conditions.
• Telehealth across New Jersey for evaluations and follow-up visits.

Frequently Asked Questions About OCD Treatment