Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Resources

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

The American Psychological Association defines obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as “a disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that prompt the performance of neutralizing rituals (compulsions).” For a person with OCD, both obsessions and compulsions can cause significant distress and interfere with daily functioning.

Research suggests that around one in 40 people in the US have OCD or will develop it at some point. This mental illness can affect a person of any age, from preschool to adulthood, and can also impact individuals regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status. That said, studies indicate that it often first manifests in young people and is more common in those who identify as women.

Signs and symptoms of OCD

The exact symptoms of OCD can look different from person to person depending on many factors. That said, the key diagnostic criteria include the presence of persistent obsessive thoughts and the resulting compulsions, which can take many forms. 

In order for an OCD diagnosis to be considered by a clinician, the obsessions and compulsions must typically take up more than an hour of a person's time each day, cause significant distress, and interfere with daily functioning. Keep in mind that even if you do not meet all the criteria for an OCD diagnosis, you can still reach out for mental health support for the challenges you may be facing. 

Common myths and misconceptions about OCD

At least partially due to a wealth of inaccurate media representations, there are many myths and misconceptions about OCD. Spreading awareness about the actual realities of this illness may help decrease stigma and encourage people who are experiencing symptoms to seek support. 

Here are some of the most common myths and inaccuracies about OCD:

• “Everyone is OCD about something.” (False) Being highly organized or having certain preferences for cleanliness is not the same as having OCD, a diagnosable mental illness. OCD compulsions are persistent and distressing and can take up hours of a person's day. Using the term “OCD” in a casual, nonclinical way, such as “I’m so OCD about this,” can contribute to stigma and confusion around the disorder’s true symptoms.
• “It's obvious when a person has OCD.” (False) OCD can take many different forms, as we’ll explore below, and not all compulsions are physical—some may be purely mental. In other words: Just because you don't see someone washing their hands more often than normal, for example, doesn't mean they may not have OCD. Plus, due to stigma, many people feel shame around their symptoms and tend to hide them, even from loved ones. 
• “OCD is a phase and will go away on its own.” (False) Again, OCD is a diagnosable mental health condition, and symptoms will typically not resolve without professional treatment. OCD is not a phase, a personality quirk, or a matter of willpower, but an illness that a professional can help address. 

Exploring the different types of OCD

The obsessions and compulsions that a person with OCD experiences often tend to fall into specific categories. While the DSM only lists one, main OCD diagnosis, being familiar with the different possible presentations may help a person recognize symptoms if they occur so they can seek treatment. Some common presentations of OCD include:

• Fear of contamination, which can lead to obsessions around cleaning or disinfecting
• Need for symmetry, which can lead to the repetitive ordering, arranging, or counting of objects
• Fear of harm, either causing it to a loved one or it otherwise happening to a loved one, which can lead to compulsively checking if others are okay, praying, or mentally arguing with one's thoughts 
• Relationship OCD, or a persistent fear that one’s relationship partner is not the right fit, which can lead to actions like compulsive reassurance-seeking, avoiding commitment, and shying away from all romantic content or actions
• Scrupulosity OCD, which is when a person's obsessions and compulsions center around fears of not being a good person or violating a moral or religious doctrine

How is OCD treated?

Again, OCD is a diagnosable mental illness that typically will not resolve and may worsen without treatment. Treatment can look different depending on the person, the way their OCD manifests, and other factors, but it often begins with some form of talk therapy. 

Talk therapy approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) are two of the most common. CBT can help teach a person how to recognize and reframe anxious thoughts, and ERP may help reduce anxiety responses to intrusive thoughts over time. In some cases, a person may also be prescribed medication in combination with therapy to help control their symptoms. Remember to never start, stop, or change any medication without consulting with your doctor or psychiatrist.

Keep in mind that while OCD may not necessarily be considered “curable,” it is considered highly treatable. This means that professional mental health interventions can often make a major difference over time in the severity of a person's symptoms and the way they respond to them. With the right treatment and support, a person with OCD can often go on to live a fulfilling and accomplished life with their symptoms under control. 

How to get treatment for OCD symptoms 

If you're experiencing potential signs of OCD, reaching out for support from a licensed therapist is usually the recommended next step. They can evaluate your symptoms and make a diagnosis, if applicable. Then, they can suggest treatment methods that they believe will be most helpful for your unique situation, from talk therapy and medication to support groups and lifestyle changes.

Mental health therapy can be effective for OCD

If you’re experiencing symptoms of OCD, know that you are not alone and that there’s no shame in seeking help. Effective, compassionate care is available. Research suggests that psychological treatments for OCD like therapy can be highly effective, including for those with severe symptoms. 

You can receive OCD treatment online

Talk therapy treatment for OCD can also be conducted online through a platform like BetterHelp. Virtual therapy can be a more convenient and readily available option for many people, and it's often more cost-effective than in-person appointments without insurance as well. 

Plus, research suggests that online therapy can often be as effective for treating OCD as in-person sessions, with a 2022 study reporting that “video teletherapy treatment demonstrated effectiveness in reducing obsessive-compulsive and comorbid symptoms and improved quality of life.” The study also notes that online treatment “achieved meaningful results in less than half the total therapist time compared with standard once-weekly outpatient treatment.”