Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition of intrusive obsessions and compulsions that consume time, cause distress or impair daily life.
Key points
- Compulsions reduce anxiety briefly but reinforce the cycle, even when performed only mentally through checking or neutralising thoughts.
- Exposure and response prevention is the specific cognitive behavioural therapy with strongest evidence for OCD.
- SSRIs may need higher therapeutic exposure and longer trials than depression, balanced against adverse effects and individual risk.
The listings below do not establish OCD or a personal regimen; bipolar features, pregnancy, interactions and self-harm risk matter.
Distinguishing OCD
Assessment explores contamination, harm, taboo thoughts, symmetry, checking and reassurance without assuming intent from intrusive thoughts. Generalised worry, psychosis, autism, tic disorders and obsessive-compulsive personality traits can overlap but require different formulations.
Treatment and recovery
ERP builds a graded plan to face triggers while resisting rituals. SSRIs or clomipramine may be added according to severity and preference; abrupt stopping can cause withdrawal. Family accommodation and repeated reassurance are addressed because they can unintentionally maintain symptoms.
When to seek urgent care
Get urgent help for suicidal thoughts or plans, inability to eat, drink or leave a dangerous setting because of rituals, severe self-injury from compulsions, psychosis or inability to maintain basic safety.