OCD or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a chronic mental condition in which you experience recurring thoughts and an irresistible urge to perform repetitive behaviours. OCD is characterised by two major themes: obsessions and compulsions. OCD can significantly impact your life, making it hard for you to function in daily life, due to obsessive thoughts and recurring behaviours. These thoughts and behaviours can be exhausting and time-consuming (more than an hour daily).
Symptoms of OCD
For instance: Someone with a persistent fear of germs might constantly worry about viruses and contamination, thinking that touching a doorknob or shaking someone’s hand will make them sick.
For instance: Someone with contamination fears might engage in excessive handwashing or cleaning rituals, or spend hours scrubbing themselves or their surroundings to rid them of imagined germs.
Causes of OCD
While the causes of OCD are not fully understood, some factors are commonly found in people suffering from OCD.
OCD is linked to hyperactivity in the orbitofrontal cortex, a part of the brain that plays a key role in decision-making and emotion regulation. This could explain the obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviours.
A 2023 study showed that OCD was 7.2 times more prevalent in families with a history of OCD than in those without. So if someone in your family has OCD, you might be more likely to develop it too. That said, genes are not the only factor, and having a family history doesn’t guarantee you’ll get OCD.
Stressful events, such as trauma or big life changes can sometimes trigger OCD symptoms in some people. Also, how we learn to cope with stress and anxiety can affect whether OCD develops.
OCD is commonly seen in people who also have certain personality traits such as perfectionism, heightened sensitivity, stubbornness, and preoccupation with details. People with such personality traits could be at a higher risk of developing or already having OCD.
Contamination OCD
Characterised by fear of dirt or germs, it leads to obsessive avoidance of contamination and compulsive behaviours such as frequent handwashing, face washing, and cleaning surfaces or personal belongings.
Checking OCD
It is characterised by excessive checking of locks, doors, appliances, or personal safety to prevent harm or accidents. These actions are performed to reduce anxiety but often end up consuming a lot of your time and energy. Your doubts persist after checking multiple times, resulting in more repetitive checks.
Hoarding OCD
Hoarding is now classified as a separate diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). People affected by hoarding disorder collect items often deemed of some value to the person, resulting in cluttered and disorganised living spaces. People suffering from the hoarding subtype are more anxious and depressed and find it harder to find employment.
Symmetry and Order OCD
People suffering from this type of OCD feel a strong urge to rearrange objects so they seem “just right”. Example: Aligning the positioning of a straight- edge object with the edge of the table so it appears ‘visually appealing’ and symmetrical with the table. People suffering from this subtype often spend multiple hours of their day rearranging different objects so they look ‘right’ to them.
At BetterPlace, we diagnose your OCD through psychiatric evaluations, clinical assessments, and medical history reviews. These tests help our medical professionals gain insight into your condition and understand the symptoms you are experiencing. Both the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) and ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition) provide a detailed criterion that our clinical team uses to diagnose your OCD.
Treatment Options for OCD
While OCD cannot be cured, there are some excellent OCD treatment options available to ease its symptoms and help you live more comfortably. These include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly a type called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is considered the gold standard for treating OCD. In ERP therapy, you gradually face your fears (exposure) while refraining from engaging in compulsive behaviours (response prevention). This helps reduce anxiety and break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Other forms of OCD therapy, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or mindfulness-based approaches, may also help in managing OCD symptoms.
Medicine for OCD includes Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant that is commonly used to treat OCD. These medications help regulate serotonin levels in your brain, which can reduce the severity of OCD symptoms. A combination of medication and OCD therapy may be more effective than either treatment alone.
Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy where a small group of people facing similar challenges come together to support each other, share experiences, and learn new ways to cope—all under the guidance of a trained OCD therapist. It’s a safe, confidential space to connect, feel less alone, and work through your problems together.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a safe, non-invasive procedure where magnetic pulses stimulate or inhibit activity in specific brain areas. This form of OCD therapy is commonly used to treat various mental health conditions, including Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Your search for “OCD therapist near me” and “OCD specialist near me” ends here. We are the one-stop solution to your search for an “OCD clinic near me”.
At BetterPlace, we not only treat your OCD, but we also help you manage the symptoms around it.
At BetterPlace, the cost of each appointment is INR 2,000. In your first 90-minute session, you get to meet our psychiatrist and clinical psychologist who put a laser focus on diagnosis and OCD treatment ensuring personalised care tailored to your unique needs. Our experts collaborate to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the root causes of your concerns while providing effective solutions.
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At BetterPlace, our experts have helped over 50,000 people navigate OCD and other mental health challenges.
We don’t just treat the symptoms of OCD—we focus on the bigger picture. By addressing emotional, psychological, and environmental factors, we help you build healthier, more balanced habits that support your recovery.
Whether your OCD is mild, moderate, or severe, our team of experienced specialists is equipped to provide the right level of care. From first-line therapies to advanced treatments, we guide you every step of the way.
Alongside therapy, we teach you actionable skills and coping mechanisms to manage intrusive thoughts and compulsions. These practical tools help you regain control of your emotions and confidently navigate daily challenges.
OCD can impact your relationships, but you don’t have to face it alone. We provide family-inclusive therapy to help your loved ones understand your condition, offering the support and understanding you need for a stronger recovery journey.
When visiting BetterPlace, you can expect a welcoming environment where there is 0% judgment.
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While OCD does involve high anxiety levels, doctors no longer classify it as an Anxiety Disorder. As per the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), OCD now comes under ‘Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders’. However, it’s important to note that many people with OCD also experience symptoms of Anxiety Disorders at the same time.
OCD can be a lifelong condition for some, but it varies from person to person. With the right OCD treatment and support, many people experience significant relief from their symptoms and can lead fulfilling lives.
No, there is no “cure” for OCD. However, a combination of medication and therapy helps in the management of this condition.
You should seek help for OCD if you feel symptoms such as obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours are causing problems in your daily functioning.
Not necessarily. Medication can be an effective part of OCD treatment, but some people find they can eventually taper off or reduce their medication under the guidance of their doctor.