OCD

Request an online visit for OCD. A licensed provider reviews your case and prescribes treatment when appropriate.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MD
MD · Board-Certified, Internal Medicine · Last reviewed June 2026

About OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts, urges, or images (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce the resulting distress. Common themes include contamination, checking, symmetry, taboo thoughts, and harm. Symptoms are time-consuming and impairing. The most effective psychological treatment is exposure and response prevention, a specialized form of CBT; high-dose SSRIs or clomipramine are first-line medications, often requiring higher doses and longer trials than in depression.

Common questions

Reference only. Not a substitute for medical advice. Not appropriate for emergencies or controlled substances.