Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder (OCD)
What Is OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, urges, or sensations that trigger anxiety or distress. These experiences—known as obsessions—often feel sudden, intense, and difficult to ignore.
In response to obsessions, many people engage in compulsions: behaviors or mental actions intended to reduce discomfort or prevent feared outcomes. While compulsions may provide temporary relief, they often strengthen the OCD cycle over time and increase distress.
OCD can be exhausting, confusing, and isolating—but it is also highly treatable with evidence-based therapy.
Understanding OCD Obsessions
Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, images, urges, or sensations that feel distressing or alarming. Importantly, obsessions are not chosen, wanted, or reflective of who you are. They tend to target what a person cares about most.
Common OCD obsession themes include:
• Fears of contamination, illness, or germs
• Concerns about causing harm to oneself or others
• Perfectionism and fears of making mistakes
• Moral, religious, or scrupulosity-related fears
• Superstitions or fears of “bad luck”
• Identity-related fears (e.g., sexual orientation or gender)
• Unwanted sexual thoughts or images, including taboo themes
Having intrusive thoughts does not mean you want them, agree with them, or will act on them.
Understanding OCD Compulsions
Compulsions are behaviors—physical or mental—used to try to reduce anxiety or neutralize obsessions. Compulsions can be visible to others or happen entirely in the mind.
Common OCD compulsions include:
• Excessive washing, cleaning, or grooming
• Repeated checking or reassurance seeking
• Mental reviewing of memories or conversations
• Repeating actions until they feel “right”
• Avoidance of people, places, or thoughts
• Praying, counting, or undoing actions mentally
Over time, compulsions can become time-consuming and restrictive, even when people recognize they are not truly helpful.
What Causes OCD?
The exact cause of OCD is not fully understood. Research suggests a combination of biological and genetic factors may contribute, including differences in brain functioning and inherited vulnerability.
What’s important to know is that OCD is not caused by personality flaws, parenting mistakes, or lack of willpower.
Is OCD Treatable?
Yes—OCD is very treatable.
With appropriate treatment, many people experience significant improvement in symptoms, daily functioning, and quality of life. Research shows it often takes several years from symptom onset for people to receive OCD-specific treatment, making early education and evidence-based care especially important.
Evidence-Based Treatment for OCD
The most effective treatments for OCD include:
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. ERP therapy involves gradually and intentionally facing feared thoughts, sensations, or situations while reducing compulsive responses. Over time, people learn that anxiety can rise and fall on its own—and that they can choose actions aligned with their values rather than fear.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is an evidence-based behavioral therapy that helps people change their relationship with intrusive thoughts and anxiety. Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable internal experiences, ACT supports mindfulness, willingness, and values-based action—helping people live meaningful lives even when OCD shows up.
ERP and ACT are often used together in effective OCD treatment.
Medication, particularly serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), can also be helpful for some individuals.
Related Conditions
Conditions commonly related to OCD include:
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Hoarding Disorder
• Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder)
• Excoriation (skin picking) disorder
You Are Not Alone
Living with OCD can feel overwhelming—but help is available, and recovery is possible. With education, evidence-based treatment, and compassionate support, many people reclaim meaningful, fulfilling lives.
If you’re ready to take the next step—or simply want to learn more about OCD treatment options—I’d be honored to support you.