OCD Treatment in Palm Beach, FL

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is far more debilitating than the cultural shorthand of “being neat” suggests. It is a serious neuropsychiatric condition that can consume hours of each day and leave people feeling trapped in cycles of intrusive thoughts and exhausting rituals. At his Palm Beach practice, Dr. Mark G. Agresti, M.D. provides expert, evidence-based OCD treatment tailored to each patient’s unique presentation.

What Is OCD?

OCD is characterized by two core features:

• Obsessions — recurrent, persistent, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause marked anxiety or distress. The person typically recognizes these thoughts as excessive or irrational, yet cannot stop them.
• Compulsions — repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions, aimed at reducing distress or preventing a feared outcome. Compulsions provide temporary relief but ultimately reinforce the OCD cycle.

OCD affects approximately 2-3% of the population and can develop at any age. Without proper treatment, symptoms typically remain chronic and may worsen over time.

Common OCD Subtypes and Presentations

OCD presents in many forms. Dr. Agresti evaluates and treats all recognized OCD subtypes, including:

• Contamination OCD — fear of germs, illness, or contamination leading to excessive hand-washing, cleaning, or avoidance
• Harm OCD — intrusive thoughts about accidentally or intentionally hurting oneself or others, leading to checking and reassurance-seeking
• Symmetry and Ordering OCD — intense need for objects, actions, or situations to feel “just right”
• Intrusive Thought OCD — unwanted, ego-dystonic thoughts of a sexual, religious, or violent nature that cause profound distress
• Pure-O OCD — OCD in which compulsions are primarily mental rather than behavioral (mental reviewing, reassurance-seeking, thought neutralizing)
• Health Anxiety OCD — obsessive fear of having or developing serious illness, often overlapping with hypochondria
• Relationship OCD (ROCD) — obsessive doubts about romantic partners, relationships, or one’s own feelings

OCD vs. Anxiety Disorders: Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters

OCD is frequently misidentified as generalized anxiety or another anxiety disorder, and many patients spend years in treatment that does not adequately target their OCD. Correct diagnosis is essential because OCD has specific, evidence-based treatments that differ from standard anxiety protocols. Dr. Agresti conducts a thorough psychiatric evaluation to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Dr. Agresti’s Approach to OCD Treatment

Medication Management for OCD

Pharmacotherapy is a cornerstone of OCD treatment and can dramatically reduce symptom severity. Dr. Agresti specializes in complex psychopharmacology, with particular expertise in patients with OCD who have not responded to initial treatments.

First-line medications for OCD include:

• SSRIs at therapeutic doses — OCD typically requires higher doses than anxiety or depression, and adequate trials of 8-12 weeks are necessary before concluding a medication is ineffective. Commonly used agents include fluvoxamine, sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and escitalopram.
• Clomipramine (Anafranil) — a tricyclic antidepressant with strong serotonergic activity; highly effective for OCD and often used when SSRIs have provided insufficient relief

For patients with partial response to SSRIs or clomipramine, augmentation strategies may include:

• Atypical antipsychotics (risperidone, aripiprazole, olanzapine) — well-established augmentation agents for treatment-resistant OCD
• Glutamate-modulating agents — emerging evidence supports agents such as memantine in refractory OCD

Coordination with OCD-Specialized Therapy

The gold-standard psychotherapy for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — a form of CBT in which patients gradually confront feared stimuli without performing compulsions. ERP combined with medication produces significantly better outcomes than either alone. Dr. Agresti collaborates with ERP-trained therapists to ensure patients receive integrated care.

Telehealth OCD Care Across Florida

OCD can make it difficult to leave home or engage in everyday activities. Dr. Agresti offers telehealth psychiatric appointments for OCD patients throughout Florida, providing access to expert psychiatric care without the barriers that OCD can create around travel and new environments.

OCD and Co-Occurring Conditions

OCD frequently co-occurs with depression, anxiety disorders, tic disorders, and ADHD. Dr. Agresti has extensive experience managing OCD alongside these comorbid conditions, developing comprehensive treatment plans that address all of a patient’s psychiatric needs simultaneously.

Why Choose Dr. Mark Agresti for OCD Treatment

• Board-certified psychiatrist with deep experience in OCD and its many presentations
• Expert in complex psychopharmacology, including treatment-resistant OCD and augmentation strategies
• Accurate differential diagnosis — distinguishing OCD from overlapping conditions
• Collaborative approach coordinating with ERP therapists for integrated care
• Telehealth available statewide — accessible psychiatric care throughout Florida

Freedom From the OCD Cycle Is Possible

With the right treatment — expert medication management combined with evidence-based therapy — most people with OCD experience substantial symptom reduction and regain meaningful control over their lives. Dr. Agresti is here to guide that process.

Dr. Mark G. Agresti, M.D.
44 Cocoanut Row, Suite m-202
Palm Beach, FL 33480

Call to schedule: 561-760-4107
Psychiatric emergencies: 561-386-7743

Telehealth appointments available for patients throughout Florida.