What does OCD treatment involve?

OCD treatment commonly includes exposure and response prevention therapy and may include medication when clinically appropriate. A psychiatric evaluation can review symptom patterns, co-occurring conditions, prior treatment, and medication options while coordinating with a therapist who provides specialized OCD care.

Can an OCD screening diagnose obsessive-compulsive disorder?

No. An OCD screening can organize symptoms and help you prepare for a clinical conversation, but diagnosis requires a qualified professional to consider the nature of obsessions and compulsions, distress, impairment, duration, and other possible explanations.

OCD

Name: OCD
Creator: Amy Pharr, APRN, FPMHNP-C

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects approximately 2–3% of the population and involves persistent intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that significantly interfere with daily life. East Coast Telepsychiatry provides psychiatric evaluation and evidence-based medication management for OCD via secure video visits.

The short answer

What causes OCD, and what are its symptoms?

The exact cause of OCD is not known. Research suggests that genetics, brain biology, learning, temperament, and life stress may all contribute. OCD symptoms involve unwanted, intrusive obsessions and repetitive compulsions or mental rituals that take time, cause distress, or interfere with daily life. Having an unwanted thought does not mean you want it or will act on it. A qualified clinician can distinguish OCD from generalized worry, PTSD, depression, ADHD, or other conditions.

Common Symptoms

Intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress
Repetitive checking, counting, or arranging behaviors
Excessive hand washing, cleaning, or showering
Need for symmetry, order, or things to be 'just right'
Difficulty discarding items (hoarding tendencies)
Mental rituals such as repeating words or prayers silently

Common questions

What does OCD treatment involve?: OCD treatment commonly includes exposure and response prevention therapy and may include medication when clinically appropriate. A psychiatric evaluation can review symptom patterns, co-occurring conditions, prior treatment, and medication options while coordinating with a therapist who provides specialized OCD care.
Can an OCD screening diagnose obsessive-compulsive disorder?: No. An OCD screening can organize symptoms and help you prepare for a clinical conversation, but diagnosis requires a qualified professional to consider the nature of obsessions and compulsions, distress, impairment, duration, and other possible explanations.

Written and reviewed by Amy Pharr, APRN, FPMHNP-C — Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Source: NIMH: OCD Overview

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