Within a child’s psyche, diagnosed with OCD, the arrival of depression becomes an unwelcome squatter in an already overcrowded home. Unlike OCD, which often carries an air of urgency, depression in children can be a far quieter, insidious counterweight. In such instances, depression should not signal the cessation of OCD treatment but a strategic pivot in the approach.

During this time, it is even more important to have active channels for communication between clinicians, caregivers, and the child. While we continue the crucial work of ERP, safety from suicidality needs to be a priority. Safety plans should be drafted with the child's input, their own strategies to fight back in the darkest moments.

In the beginning of treatment (and upon the modification of critical accommodations), parents will often reach out to our center with the concern: “we are doing everything right, why are they getting worse?” While there are many reasons why, behaviorally, OCD clicks into high gear, the simplest explanation for these early days of tumult is a behavioral concept known as the 'extinction burst'. Extinction Burst is a behavioral response often misinterpreted and mishandled, yet it's pivotal in solidifying positive changes in our kids.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) can be a tremendously helpful technique for people experiencing OCD who may be stuck in their treatment.  MI acknowledges the ambivalence people might feel about changing their behaviors or thought patterns in OCD. It helps explore both the reasons for wanting to maintain current habits and the desire for change. This can help individuals understand their conflicting feelings and motivations.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is considered an effective therapeutic approach for various mental health challenges, particularly conditions involving emotional dysregulation and difficulty managing intense emotions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was originally developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder. However, it has since been adapted to help people with various mental health challenges, including anxiety disorders.

ROCD can make relationship decisions more complex, but with the right support and strategies, you can make choices that are in line with your genuine desires and well-being. Seek professional help to guide you through this process, and be patient with yourself as you navigate the challenges of ROCD.

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.

Skin picking disorder, also known as excoriation disorder or dermatillomania, is a condition characterized by the repetitive picking of the skin, often resulting in tissue damage and scarring. It's important to note that while supplements can play a role in promoting overall skin health, they are not a primary or sole treatment for skin picking disorder. This condition typically requires a comprehensive approach involving therapy, behavioral interventions, and, in some cases, medication under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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.

Meditation is a valuable practice that can help many people manage stress, promote relaxation, and enhance mindfulness. However, it may not always be effective in stopping intrusive thoughts associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) for several reasons.

Creating anxiety resilience is an ongoing process that requires consistent support and guidance. Collaborate with school counselors, teachers, and parents to provide a comprehensive approach to helping students develop anxiety resilience skills.

The question of whether today's kids have more anxiety than previous generations is a complex and debated topic. There is evidence to suggest that anxiety rates among children and adolescents have increased in recent years, but it's important to consider multiple factors before making broad generalizations. Here are some key points to consider.

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.

Hormonal changes can have a significant impact on anxiety disorders due to the complex interplay between hormones and the brain's neurotransmitter systems. Fluctuations in hormone levels can influence mood, emotions, and the body's stress response. Here's how hormonal changes can affect anxiety disorders.

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. 

Fertility trauma, often referred to as reproductive trauma, encompasses the emotional and psychological distress that individuals or couples may experience due to difficulties or challenges related to fertility, conception, pregnancy loss, or unsuccessful assisted reproductive treatments. This trauma can deeply impact a person's emotional well-being and may contribute to lifelong anxiety and other mental health issues.

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.

Going back to school can trigger anxiety for many people due to various reasons. Here are some common triggers for back-to-school anxiety and some suggestions on how to manage them

Distinguishing between Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and low self-esteem can be challenging, as both can involve negative perceptions of one's appearance. However, there are certain patterns and behaviors that parents can look for to help differentiate between the two.

Distinguishing between an eating disorder and eating perfectionism can sometimes be challenging, as both can involve disordered eating behaviors and attitudes towards food. However, there are key differences that can help you differentiate between the two.

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.