OCD & Mild Mood Disorders
What are OCD and mild mood disorders?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions). Individuals with OCD often feel compelled to perform certain rituals to alleviate anxiety caused by their obsessions. This disorder can interfere with daily tasks and responsibilities, and it may lead to significant emotional distress. Treatment options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Mild Mood Disorder
A mild mood disorder involves persistent emotional disturbances that affect daily life but are less severe than major depressive episodes. Individuals with mild mood disorders may experience low energy, irritability, and subtle shifts in mood or motivation. These symptoms may not completely disrupt daily responsibilities but can diminish overall quality of life. Early interventions, such as counseling or lifestyle changes, can be very effective in managing these conditions.
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder​)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition characterized by intrusive, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety.
OCD can lead to significant impairments in daily life. Studies show that sleep quality in individuals with OCD is often poor, with issues such as prolonged sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep), fragmented sleep, and higher use of sleep medications. ​​
Obsessive compulsive disorder affects 2.5 million adults or 1.2% of the U.S. population (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). Risk factors include genetics, childhood trauma, and biological factors playing a role in this development.
​​Mild Mood Disorders​
Mild mood disorders often present as persistent feelings of sadness, irritability, or low energy. While these symptoms may not be as severe as those in major depressive disorder, they can still affect day-to-day functioning and overall well-being.
Mild mood disorders are commonly linked to stress, hormonal imbalances, and environmental factors. Sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling asleep or waking up frequently, are also common in individuals with mood disorders .
Research indicates that improving sleep hygiene and addressing sleep distubances can significantly help in managing mild mood disorders. Therapeutic interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based techniques have proven helpful for both sleep and mood regulation.
​Disruptive emotions and mood disturbance symptoms are commonly seen in adolescent years. Oftentimes, this behavior progresses into adulthood which may impact personal relationships and quality of life (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).
How does The Nudge treat OCD and mild mood disorders?
The First Step in treating OCD or mood disorders is connecting with our provider at The Nudge, you can begin your treatment journey from the comfort of your home with telehealth virtual visit or we can schedule you for an office visit at our location in Wichita, Kansas.
Requesting an appointment is quick and easy—often available within just a few days. Start by clicking the request appointment button and filling out the form.​
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Evaluation
Your initial visit is all about understanding you. During this session, you'll meet with one of our compassionate providers, who will ask about your current symptoms, personal and medical history, and your mental health goals. We’ll listen closely to ensure that virtual care at The Nudge is the right fit for you.
Diagnosis
Based on the information you share and a review of your medical history, your provider can offer a diagnosis for your sleep disorder.
Personalized Treatment Plan
You'll work closely with your provider to develop a customized plan to manage your symptoms. If medication is appropriate, your provider will explain your options, discussing the benefits and potential side effects of each.
Medication Management
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
First-line treatments generally involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Medications typically used to treat OCD are:
-
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): Fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine are all FDA-approved and commonly used, often at higher doses than those for depression
-
Clomipramine is an alternative, especially when SSRIs are not effective.
​
Second-line/augmentation strategies include:
-
Higher-dose SSRIs if initial response is partial, or switching within the SSRI class.
-
Adjunctive antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone) may be considered for treatment-resistant OCD (not captured here but widely supported beyond first-line)
Mild Mood Disorder
First line treatment are Antidepressants:
-
SSRIs remain the mainstay for mild-to-moderate depression and mood/anxiety concerns.
-
Sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, escitalopram are frequently used. Benefits often take several weeks; side effects can include nausea, headaches, sexual dysfunction, and a rare risk of increased suicidal thoughts in younger patients.
-
-
SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine) act on serotonin and norepinephrine—an alternate option, though with potentially more side effects .
-
Bupropion is notable for low sexual side effects, weight neutrality or potential weight loss, and effectiveness in fatigue/sleep issues—often a preferred choice for mild depression with somnolence.
​
Second line treatment are Mood Stabilizers:
Used when mood symptoms include fluctuations or resistance to antidepressants:
-
Lithium—the gold standard—stabilizes mood and may reduce suicide risk; requires blood-level monitoring.
-
Anticonvulsants such as lamotrigine (favoring bipolar depression), valproate, and carbamazepine—especially in mood cycling or mixed states.
-
Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., aripiprazole, quetiapine) are sometimes used adjectively for depression considered not responsive to other treatments.​
