OCD isn’t about being neat or liking things organized. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts and repeated behaviors that can take hours out of your day. It’s a real, common condition — and there are effective treatments.
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What OCD is
According to NIMH, OCD is a common, long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors a person feels the urge to do in response to an obsessive thought.
Common obsessions and compulsions
| Obsessions | Compulsions |
|---|---|
| Fear of germs or contamination | Excessive cleaning or handwashing |
| Unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts | Mental rituals, praying, or neutralizing thoughts |
| Fear of harming yourself or others | Repeatedly checking (locks, stove, safety) |
| Need for symmetry or perfect order | Ordering or arranging things “just right” |
| Doubts and need for certainty | Repeatedly seeking reassurance |
How OCD is treated
NIMH notes that OCD is typically treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both. The main psychotherapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy called exposure and response prevention (ERP): gradually facing triggers while resisting the compulsion, so the anxiety learns to fade on its own. The International OCD Foundation describes ERP as the most effective form of therapy for OCD. Medication (usually serotonin reuptake inhibitors) is prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist.
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Explore online help for OCD →Sponsored link · Cancel anytime · Not an emergency service — in crisis, call or text 988
Finding the right therapist
Because ERP is a specialized skill, ask any therapist — online or in person — whether they have specific experience treating OCD with ERP. Online sessions can work well for ERP, since you can practice exposures in the real environments where your triggers happen, like your own home.
Frequently asked questions
Is OCD just being very tidy?
No. OCD involves distressing intrusive thoughts and time-consuming compulsions that interfere with life.
What is the best therapy for OCD?
Exposure and response prevention (ERP), a form of CBT, is the main evidence-based psychotherapy for OCD.
Can OCD be treated online?
Yes, ERP can be delivered by telehealth. Look for a therapist experienced in ERP.
Ready to talk to a licensed therapist?
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Sources
- NIMH: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- International OCD Foundation: Treatment of OCD
- NIMH: Psychotherapies
- American Psychological Association: Cognitive behavioral therapy