What Is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to relieve anxiety. These patterns can significantly interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.

Common Obsession Themes & Compulsions

• Contamination & Cleaning: Fear of germs or illness → excessive washing or cleaning

• Symmetry & Order: Need for things “just right” → arranging, counting, or repeating actions

• Harm & Safety: Fear of causing harm → checking locks, appliances, or reassurance-seeking

• Forbidden Thoughts: Intrusive sexual, religious, or violent thoughts → mental rituals (praying, counting)

Signs & Symptoms

• Obsessions:

  • Persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges

  • Awareness that these thoughts are irrational but feeling unable to control them

• Compulsions:

  • Repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand-washing, checking) or mental acts (e.g., counting)

  • Behaviors aimed at preventing feared outcomes or reducing distress, often time-consuming

• Impact:

  • Spending more than an hour per day on obsessions/compulsions

  • Avoidance of places or situations that trigger symptoms

  • Significant distress or impairment in work, school, or relationships

Causes & Risk Factors

• Genetic Predisposition: Family history increases likelihood

• Brain Structure & Function: Abnormal activity in cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits

• Environmental Triggers: Stressful life events, trauma, or illness onset

• Personality Traits: High levels of perfectionism, intolerance of uncertainty

Diagnosis & Assessment

A thorough evaluation by a qualified provider includes:

1. Clinical Interview: Exploration of obsession and compulsion history, severity, and impact.

2. Standardized Rating Scales: Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) to quantify symptom severity.

3. Mental Status Examination: Assessment of mood, thought content, insight, and functioning.

4. Collateral Information: When appropriate, input from family or others to clarify patterns.

Treatment & Management

1. Medication

   • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine

   • Clomipramine: A tricyclic antidepressant effective for OCD

2. Psychotherapy

   • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Gradual, controlled exposure to feared thoughts/situations without performing compulsions.

   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addresses maladaptive beliefs and enhances coping skills.

3. Advanced Options

   • Intensive Outpatient or Partial Hospitalization Programs for severe OCD

   • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in treatment-resistant cases

4. Self-Help & Lifestyle

   • Structured daily routines and goal setting

   • Stress-reduction techniques (mindfulness, relaxation exercises)

   • Support networks or peer support

Helpful Resources

• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)
  https://iocdf.org/

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): OCD
  https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd

• American Psychiatric Association (APA): OCD
  https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ocd

• Understood.org: OCD Resources
  https://www.understood.org/articles/en/what-is-ocd

Book an Appointment

• Telehealth Sessions: Confidential online evaluations and ERP coaching—schedule at https://fortifiedmindsgroup.com/contact

• In-Person Visits: Available in Virginia—find providers at https://fortifiedmindsgroup.com/providers