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OCD & PTSDTreatment in Dubai

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are distinct but often comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by dysregulated fear processing, intrusive mental phenomena, and maladaptive behavioral patterns. ...

92%
Success Rate
5000+
Patients Treated
15+
Years Experience
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Common Symptoms

  • Intrusive, unwanted thoughts or memories that feel impossible to control or dismiss
  • Repetitive behaviors or mental rituals you feel compelled to perform to prevent feared outcomes
  • Flashbacks or nightmares that make you feel like the traumatic event is happening again
  • Avoiding places, people, or situations that trigger distressing memories or urges
  • Constant hypervigilance and feeling on edge, unable to relax even in safe environments
Understanding the Condition

What is this Condition?

Medical Definition

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are distinct but often comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by dysregulated fear processing, intrusive mental phenomena, and maladaptive behavioral patterns. OCD involves recurrent obsessions (intrusive thoughts, images, or urges) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors performed to neutralize obsessions or prevent feared outcomes). PTSD develops following exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, featuring intrusive re-experiencing, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and marked alterations in arousal and reactivity. Both conditions involve amygdala hyperactivity, hippocampal dysfunction, prefrontal cortex impairment, and HPA axis dysregulation.

Healthy Baseline

A healthy stress response system maintains appropriate threat detection through the amygdala while the prefrontal cortex provides top-down regulation to distinguish real from perceived danger. The hippocampus accurately contextualizes memories in time and place. The HPA axis responds to genuine threats with appropriate cortisol release, followed by efficient recovery and return to homeostasis. Fear extinction occurs naturally when threats pass. Intrusive thoughts are recognized as mental noise and dismissed without distress. Sleep architecture supports memory consolidation and emotional processing. The autonomic nervous system maintains balance between sympathetic activation and parasympathetic restoration.

What a Healthy State Looks Like:

  • Balanced autonomic nervous system function
  • Proper neurotransmitter regulation
  • Normal stress response patterns
  • Healthy sleep-wake cycles
  • Stable mood and emotional regulation
  • Normal cognitive function and concentration
How It Works

Understanding the Mechanisms

The biological and neurological factors that contribute to this condition

Pathophysiology

OCD and PTSD share overlapping neurobiological mechanisms while maintaining distinct features: (1) Amygdala hyperactivity - the fear center demonstrates exaggerated responses to trauma-related or obsession-triggering stimuli, with reduced habituation to repeated exposures; (2) Hippocampal dysfunction - reduced volume and impaired function affect memory consolidation, contextual processing, and the ability to distinguish past trauma from present safety; (3) Prefrontal cortex impairment - reduced activity in the anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex impairs fear extinction, cognitive flexibility, and the ability to inhibit compulsive behaviors or trauma responses; (4) HPA axis dysregulation - altered cortisol patterns with either hyper- or hypo-cortisolism depending on chronicity and individual variation; (5) Neurotransmitter imbalance - serotonin depletion, dopamine dysregulation in reward circuits, norepinephrine excess, and GABAergic dysfunction; (6) Inflammatory cytokine elevation - IL-6, TNF-alpha, and CRP are elevated, affecting neuroplasticity and mood regulation; (7) Default mode network hyperconnectivity - excessive self-referential processing perpetuates rumination and intrusive thoughts; (8) Fear extinction failure - impaired mechanisms prevent the natural reduction of fear responses over time.

Key Mechanisms:

1

OCD and PTSD share overlapping neurobiological mechanisms while maintaining distinct features: (1) Amygdala hyperactivity - the fear center demonstrates exaggerated responses to trauma-related or obsession-triggering stimuli, with reduced habituation to repeated exposures

2

(2) Hippocampal dysfunction - reduced volume and impaired function affect memory consolidation, contextual processing, and the ability to distinguish past trauma from present safety

3

(3) Prefrontal cortex impairment - reduced activity in the anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex impairs fear extinction, cognitive flexibility, and the ability to inhibit compulsive behaviors or trauma responses

4

(4) HPA axis dysregulation - altered cortisol patterns with either hyper- or hypo-cortisolism depending on chronicity and individual variation

5

(5) Neurotransmitter imbalance - serotonin depletion, dopamine dysregulation in reward circuits, norepinephrine excess, and GABAergic dysfunction

6

(6) Inflammatory cytokine elevation - IL-6, TNF-alpha, and CRP are elevated, affecting neuroplasticity and mood regulation

Symptoms & Manifestations

Recognizing the Symptoms

Mental health conditions present with a variety of symptoms affecting different aspects of wellbeing

Racing heart, palpitations, and chest tightness during triggers
Shortness of breath and hyperventilation episodes
Muscle tension, especially in neck, shoulders, and jaw
Gastrointestinal distress: nausea, diarrhea, IBS flare-ups
Chronic fatigue despite adequate sleep
Insomnia and nightmares disrupting sleep architecture
Startle response hyperreactivity
Sweating and trembling during anxiety episodes
Headaches and migraines
Dizziness and feeling faint
Chronic pain syndromes (fibromyalgia comorbidity)
Immune dysfunction and frequent infections

Important: Everyone experiences mental health differently. If you're experiencing several of these symptoms persistently, we recommend consulting with our mental health specialists.

Related Conditions

Commonly Co-Occurring Conditions

Mental health conditions often occur together. Understanding these connections helps provide comprehensive care

Depression and Mood Disorders

Shared neurobiological pathways involving serotonin depletion, HPA axis dysregulation, and inflammatory processes; up to 50% of PTSD patients and 40% of OCD patients experience comorbid depression

Anxiety Disorders

Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety share amygdala hyperactivity and fear circuitry dysfunction; often predate or coexist with OCD/PTSD

Substance Use Disorders

Self-medication to manage distressing symptoms; 40-60% of PTSD patients develop substance abuse; temporarily reduces amygdala activation but worsens long-term outcomes

Sleep Disorders

Sleep deprivation impairs prefrontal cortex regulation while increasing amygdala reactivity; nightmares disrupt REM sleep critical for fear extinction

Chronic Pain Syndromes

Central sensitization and shared neuroinflammatory processes; trauma and chronic stress alter pain processing pathways; fibromyalgia comorbidity in 20-30%

Autoimmune Conditions

Chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation from PTSD/OCD increase autoimmune risk; shared genetic vulnerabilities and environmental triggers

Cardiovascular Disease

Chronic sympathetic activation and cortisol elevation damage vascular endothelium; PTSD associated with 2x increased cardiovascular risk

Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction

Trauma and chronic stress alter gut microbiome, reduce vagal tone, and increase intestinal permeability; gut inflammation exacerbates neuroinflammation

Dissociative Disorders

Severe trauma can fragment identity and memory processing; dissociation serves as psychological escape when fight/flight is impossible

Eating Disorders

Trauma history common in eating disorders; control behaviors around food parallel OCD compulsions; body image distortion linked to trauma

Our integrated approach addresses all co-occurring conditions simultaneously for comprehensive mental health care.

Differential Diagnosis

How We Differentiate

Understanding how this condition differs from similar presentations

ConditionOverlapping SymptomsKey Differentiator
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)Intrusive thoughts, anxiety, repetitive behaviorsEgo-dystonic obsessions with specific compulsions performed to neutralize anxiety; insight often preserved but resistance is difficult; no trauma history required
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)Intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilanceDirect link to traumatic event; re-experiencing phenomena; negative alterations in cognition/mood; symptoms persist >1 month after trauma
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)PTSD symptoms plus emotional dysregulation, negative self-conceptResults from prolonged, repeated trauma (childhood abuse, captivity); includes disturbances in self-organization: affect dysregulation, negative self-concept, disturbed relationships
Generalized Anxiety DisorderExcessive worry, hypervigilance, physical anxiety symptomsWorry is diffuse and not tied to specific obsessions or trauma; no compulsions or re-experiencing phenomena; content of worry shifts across life domains
Panic DisorderPanic attacks, anticipatory anxiety, avoidancePanic attacks are spontaneous and not triggered by specific obsessions or trauma cues; fear focuses on panic sensations themselves
Social Anxiety DisorderAvoidance, fear of judgment, physical anxietyFear specifically centers on social evaluation and embarrassment; no intrusive obsessions or trauma-related re-experiencing
Body Dysmorphic DisorderRepetitive checking, intrusive thoughts about appearancePreoccupation specifically with perceived defects in appearance; compulsions focus on appearance-checking or concealing
Hoarding DisorderDifficulty discarding, repetitive acquisition behaviorsPreviously considered OCD subtype; distress centers on parting with possessions rather than intrusive obsessions; living spaces become unusable
Trichotillomania/ExcoriationRepetitive behaviors, tension reductionBody-focused repetitive behaviors without preceding obsessions; behaviors provide gratification or relief rather than preventing feared outcomes
Adjustment DisorderEmotional distress following stressor, functional impairmentStressor can be any life change (not just trauma); symptoms are less severe and resolve within 6 months of stressor removal
Acute Stress DisorderPTSD-like symptoms following traumaSymptoms occur immediately after trauma and resolve within 1 month; if persistent beyond 1 month, diagnosis becomes PTSD
Psychotic DisordersIntrusive thoughts, fear, behavioral changesOCD obsessions are recognized as own thoughts (not inserted); no formal thought disorder; reality testing preserved outside of specific obsessional fears
Root Causes

What Causes This Condition?

Multiple factors contribute to mental health conditions. Understanding these helps guide treatment

Trauma Exposure (PTSD-specific)

90%

90% - Direct exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence is required for PTSD diagnosis; trauma type, severity, and duration affect risk

Assessment

Comprehensive trauma history including childhood adversity, combat exposure, assault, accidents, natural disasters; assess peritraumatic dissociation

Genetic Predisposition

40%

30-40% - Family history increases risk 2-4x; serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR), COMT, and BDNF polymorphisms implicated

Assessment

Family psychiatric history; genetic testing for relevant polymorphisms affecting neurotransmitter metabolism and stress response

Childhood Adversity and Attachment

60%

50-60% for PTSD, 30% for OCD - Early life stress alters developing stress response systems and creates vulnerability

Assessment

ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score; attachment style assessment; developmental history including neglect, abuse, or household dysfunction

HPA Axis Dysregulation

40%

40% - Chronic or severe stress dysregulates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function

Assessment

Cortisol testing (morning, evening, diurnal curves); DHEA-S; ACTH levels; evaluate stress history and coping capacity

Neurotransmitter Imbalance

35%

35% - Serotonin depletion, dopamine dysregulation, and GABA deficiency impair fear processing and behavioral inhibition

Assessment

Urinary neurotransmitter panels; amino acid testing; methylation status (MTHFR, homocysteine); response to SSRI trial

Neuroinflammation

25%

25% - Elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines affect neuroplasticity, neurotransmitter metabolism, and blood-brain barrier integrity

Assessment

Inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha); gut permeability testing; infectious disease screening; autoimmune markers

Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis

20%

20% - Altered gut bacteria reduce GABA and serotonin production, increase systemic inflammation, and impair vagus nerve signaling

Assessment

Comprehensive stool analysis; SIBO breath testing; assessment of antibiotic history, diet, and digestive symptoms

Nutrient Deficiencies

20%

20% - B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, omega-3s, and vitamin D are essential for neurotransmitter synthesis and neuronal health

Assessment

Comprehensive micronutrient panel; RBC magnesium; omega-3 index; vitamin D levels; dietary assessment

Brain Structure and Function

25%

25% - Reduced hippocampal and prefrontal cortex volume; amygdala hyperactivity; default mode network dysfunction

Assessment

Neuropsychological testing; qEEG brain mapping; structural MRI if indicated; functional connectivity assessment

Infectious and Toxic Contributors

15%

15% - PANDAS/PANS (pediatric autoimmune), Lyme disease, mold toxicity, and heavy metals can trigger or exacerbate symptoms

Assessment

ASO and anti-DNase B titers; Lyme and co-infection testing; mycotoxin panel; heavy metal screening

Cognitive and Learning Factors

30%

30% - Thought-action fusion, intolerance of uncertainty, and anxiety sensitivity maintain OCD; maladaptive cognitions maintain PTSD

Assessment

Validated questionnaires (OBQ, IIQ, ASI); cognitive assessment; trauma-related cognitions inventory

Lab Reference Ranges

Understanding Your Tests

Key laboratory markers we assess for mental health conditions

TestNormal RangeOptimal RangeUnitClinical Significance
Cortisol (Morning)5-25 mcg/dL8-14 mcg/dLmcg/dLHPA axis function; PTSD often shows elevated or blunted morning cortisol
Cortisol (Evening)<10 mcg/dL<5 mcg/dLmcg/dLFlattened diurnal curve common in PTSD; impaired recovery from daily stress
DHEA-S150-350 mcg/dL200-300 mcg/dLmcg/dLAdrenal reserve; often depleted in chronic PTSD and OCD
Serotonin50-200 ng/mL100-150 ng/mLng/mLMood and impulse regulation; deficiency linked to OCD and PTSD severity
C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)<3.0 mg/L<1.0 mg/Lmg/LSystemic inflammation; elevated in PTSD and associated with symptom severity
Homocysteine<15 umol/L<10 umol/Lumol/LMethylation status; elevated levels impair neurotransmitter synthesis
Vitamin D30-100 ng/mL50-70 ng/mLng/mLNeuroprotection and mood regulation; deficiency associated with both conditions
Magnesium (RBC)4.0-6.4 mg/dL5.0-6.0 mg/dLmg/dLNervous system relaxation; deficiency exacerbates hyperarousal symptoms
B12200-900 pg/mL500-800 pg/mLpg/mLNeurological function and methylation; deficiency affects cognitive symptoms
TSH0.4-4.0 mIU/L1.0-2.0 mIU/LmIU/LThyroid function; dysregulation can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms
Omega-3 Index>4%8-12%percentageNeuroinflammation marker; low levels associated with mood disorders
8-OHdG (Oxidative Stress)<500 ng/mg creatinine<300 ng/mg creatinineng/mg creatinineDNA oxidative damage marker; elevated in chronic stress states
Risks of Inaction

Why Treatment Matters

Untreated mental health conditions can worsen over time and impact all areas of life

Chronic Neurobiological Dysregulation

Untreated OCD/PTSD causes progressive changes in brain structure and function, including hippocampal atrophy and prefrontal cortex impairment, making recovery increasingly difficult

Months to years

Treatment Resistance Development

Longer duration of untreated illness predicts poorer response to treatment; neural pathways become more entrenched; may require more intensive interventions

Years

Substance Abuse and Dependence

Self-medication with alcohol, benzodiazepines, cannabis, or other substances leads to addiction; dual diagnosis complicates treatment and worsens outcomes

Often within first year of symptom onset

Major Depression Development

60-80% of untreated PTSD and 50% of untreated OCD develop comorbid depression; suicide risk increases significantly with combined conditions

Months to years

Cardiovascular Disease

Chronic sympathetic activation and inflammation increase risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke; PTSD associated with 2x cardiovascular mortality

Years to decades

Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

Chronic cortisol dysregulation promotes insulin resistance, weight gain, and metabolic dysfunction

Years

Autoimmune Disease

Chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation increase risk of autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroid disease

Years

Relationship and Social Deterioration

Avoidance behaviors, emotional numbing, and symptom preoccupation damage intimate relationships; social isolation increases; divorce rates elevated

Progressive

Occupational Disability

Concentration impairment, avoidance, and symptom severity reduce work performance; many patients become unable to work; significant economic impact

Months to years

Suicide Risk

OCD carries 10x increased suicide risk; PTSD associated with significant suicide risk, especially with comorbid depression; requires vigilant monitoring

Ongoing risk

Physical Health Comorbidities

Chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory conditions, and immune dysfunction become increasingly prevalent

Years

Quality of Life Degradation

Symptoms consume increasing time and energy; joy and fulfillment diminish; life becomes organized around symptoms rather than values and goals

Immediate and progressive
Diagnostic Approach

How We Diagnose

Comprehensive diagnostic testing to understand your unique condition

Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation

Purpose: Establish diagnosis and assess severity

Structured clinical interview for DSM-5 criteria; differential diagnosis; comorbidity assessment; suicide risk evaluation

Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS)

Purpose: Assess OCD symptom severity

Quantified obsessions, compulsions, avoidance, and insight; tracks treatment progress; scores >16 indicate clinically significant symptoms

Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5)

Purpose: Gold standard PTSD assessment

Frequency and intensity of all PTSD symptom clusters; diagnostic confirmation; severity rating; treatment response monitoring

PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist)

Purpose: Self-report PTSD screening

Symptom presence and severity; score >31-33 suggests probable PTSD; useful for tracking changes

Comprehensive Blood Panel

Purpose: Rule out medical causes and assess biological contributors

CBC, CMP, thyroid function, inflammatory markers, cortisol, DHEA-S, vitamin D, B12, magnesium, homocysteine

Neurotransmitter Panel

Purpose: Assess neurochemical status

Urinary levels of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, glutamate; guides targeted amino acid therapy

Adrenal Function Testing

Purpose: Evaluate HPA axis status

Diurnal cortisol curves, DHEA-S, cortisol awakening response; reveals dysregulation patterns

Stool Microbiome Analysis

Purpose: Assess gut-brain axis contribution

Bacterial diversity, pathogenic organisms, inflammation markers, SCFA production, leaky gut indicators

Nutritional and Micronutrient Testing

Purpose: Identify deficiencies affecting brain function

Comprehensive vitamin, mineral, amino acid, and fatty acid status; omega-3 index

Genetic Testing

Purpose: Identify genetic factors affecting treatment

MTHFR, COMT, 5-HTTLPR, BDNF Val66Met; informs medication selection and nutrient therapy

qEEG Brain Mapping

Purpose: Assess brain electrical activity patterns

Abnormalities in frontal lobe function, amygdala connectivity, and fear circuitry; guides neurofeedback if indicated

Trauma and Attachment Assessment

Purpose: Comprehensive trauma history and impact

ACE score, trauma type/severity, attachment style, dissociation levels, complex PTSD features

Toxic and Infectious Screening

Purpose: Rule out environmental contributors

Heavy metals, mycotoxins, Lyme disease, PANDAS/PANS markers when clinically indicated

All diagnostic tests are conducted in our state-of-the-art facility with quick turnaround times.

Treatment Protocol

Our Approach to Treatment

A phased approach addressing symptoms and root causes for lasting recovery

1

Phase 1: Comprehensive Assessment and Stabilization

Thorough diagnostic evaluation, safety planning, and acute symptom management

Interventions:

  • Complete psychiatric and trauma-informed medical history
  • Structured diagnostic interviews (CAPS-5
  • Y-BOCS
  • SCID)
  • Comprehensive laboratory testing and biological assessment
  • Suicide risk assessment and safety planning
  • Sleep stabilization and hygiene optimization
  • Psychoeducation about OCD/PTSD neurobiology
  • Establish therapeutic alliance and treatment expectations
  • Begin foundational self-regulation skills
  • Address acute substance use if present
  • Coordinate care with existing providers
2

Phase 2: Neurobiological Restoration

Restore neurochemical balance and reduce symptom severity

Interventions:

  • Targeted amino acid therapy (5-HTP
  • L-tryptophan
  • L-tyrosine
  • GABA)
  • Nutrient repletion (B vitamins
  • magnesium
  • zinc
  • omega-3s)
  • Adaptogenic herbs for HPA axis support (ashwagandha
  • rhodiola
  • holy basil)
  • Pharmaceutical intervention if indicated (SSRIs
  • SNRIs
  • prazosin for nightmares)
  • Begin Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD
  • Start Prolonged Exposure (PE) or EMDR for PTSD
  • Sleep optimization and nightmare interruption protocols
  • Vagus nerve stimulation techniques
  • Anti-inflammatory dietary interventions
  • Begin mindfulness-based stress reduction
3

Phase 3: Trauma Processing and Fear Extinction

Process traumatic memories and rewire fear responses

Interventions:

  • Intensive trauma-focused therapy (EMDR
  • PE
  • or trauma-focused CBT)
  • Advanced ERP for OCD with hierarchy completion
  • Cognitive processing therapy for PTSD cognitions
  • Somatic experiencing or sensorimotor psychotherapy
  • Address underlying attachment wounds
  • Process grief and loss associated with trauma
  • Narrative reconstruction and meaning-making
  • Address moral injury when present (veterans
  • healthcare workers)
  • Continue biological support and optimization
  • Group therapy for normalization and support
4

Phase 4: Integration and Resilience Building

Consolidate gains and build long-term resilience

Interventions:

  • Advanced cognitive restructuring and belief work
  • Values-based living and behavioral activation
  • Relapse prevention planning and coping skills
  • Relationship repair and social skills building
  • Vocational rehabilitation if needed
  • Continued maintenance therapy sessions
  • Neurofeedback for brain optimization if indicated
  • Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant cases
  • Integration of spiritual/existential dimensions
  • Peer support and community connection
5

Phase 5: Maintenance and Flourishing

Sustain recovery and optimize quality of life

Interventions:

  • Personalized maintenance protocol
  • Quarterly check-ins and biomarker monitoring
  • Continued practice of self-regulation skills
  • Lifestyle optimization and stress management
  • Annual comprehensive reassessment
  • Emergency protocol for setbacks
  • Post-traumatic growth facilitation
  • Mentorship or peer support for others
  • Continued personal development and meaning-making
Diet & Lifestyle

Supporting Your Recovery

Evidence-based lifestyle modifications that support mental health treatment

No items available for this category

Success Metrics

Measuring Progress

Key indicators we track to ensure you're on the right path to recovery

Y-BOCS score reduction to <16 (subclinical range) for OCD
PCL-5 score reduction to <31-33 for PTSD
Ability to experience intrusive thoughts/trauma triggers without significant distress
Elimination of compulsive behaviors or safety behaviors
Restored sleep quality with minimal nightmares
Return to full occupational and social functioning
Stable mood without significant anxiety or hyperarousal episodes
Improved relationships and social connection
Reduced physiological reactivity to triggers
Ability to tolerate uncertainty and distress
Values-based living rather than symptom-driven existence
Resilience in face of life stressors without relapse

We regularly assess these metrics and adjust your treatment plan accordingly

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions Answered

Author Credentials

Dr. Hafeel Ambalath - DHA Licensed Integrative and Functional Medicine Physician with advanced training in trauma-informed care, OCD treatment, and the neurobiology of stress. Specialist in combining evidence-based psychotherapy with functional medicine approaches for treatment-resistant OCD and PTSD. Certified in trauma-focused interventions with expertise in the gut-brain axis, HPA axis regulation, and neuroinflammatory contributors to mental health conditions.

References & Sources

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). 2013.
  • Stein DJ, Costa DLC, Lochner C, et al. Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2019.
  • Kessler RC, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Alonso J, et al. Trauma and PTSD in the WHO World Mental Health Surveys. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2017.
  • Foa EB, Yadin E, Lichner TK. Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Therapist Guide. 2012.
  • Shapiro F. The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine. Perm J. 2014.
  • Bandelow B, Baldwin D, Abelli M, et al. Biological markers for anxiety disorders, OCD and PTSD. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2017.
  • Yehuda R, Hoge CW, McFarlane AC, et al. Post-traumatic stress disorder. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015.
  • Abercrombie ED, Jacobs BL. Single-unit response of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus of freely moving cats. I. Acutely presented stressful and nonstressful stimuli. J Neurosci. 1987.
  • Bremner JD, Randall P, Vermetten E, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging-based measurement of hippocampal volume in posttraumatic stress disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1997.
  • Foster JA, Rinaman L, Cryan JF. Stress & the gut-brain axis: Regulation by the microbiome. Neurobiol Stress. 2017.
  • Sarris J, Murphy J, Mischoulon D, et al. Adjunctive nutraceuticals for depression: A systematic review. J Affect Disord. 2016.
  • Wilkinson ST, Ballard ED, Bloch MH, et al. The effect of a single dose of intravenous ketamine on suicidal ideation. JAMA Psychiatry. 2018.
  • Hofmann SG, Asnaani A, Vonk IJ, et al. The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognit Ther Res. 2012.
  • Neria Y, Nandi A, Galea S. Post-traumatic stress disorder following disasters: A systematic review. Psychol Med. 2008.
  • Pittenger C, Bloch MH, Williams K. Glutamate abnormalities in obsessive compulsive disorder. Neurobiol Dis. 2011.

Ready to Start Your Recovery Journey?

Our experienced mental health specialists are ready to help you overcome this condition with personalized, evidence-based treatment.

Same-week appointments available
Personalized treatment plans
24/7 support line

Your first consultation includes a comprehensive assessment at no additional cost