Effective OCD Treatment for Lasting Relief

What Is OCD?

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 and Causes of OCD

Symptoms of OCD

  • Obsessions are persistent thoughts, urges, or images that pop up in your head, causing you anxiety or distress. These thoughts cannot be controlled and keep recurring even when you try to ignore them.  Obsessions often revolve around themes such as cleanliness, safety, or order.

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.

  • Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or actions you feel compelled to perform in response to your obsessions. You might do these things to try and ease the anxiety caused by your obsessions, but it only provides temporary relief. 

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.

  • Brain Function

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. 

  • Genetics

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.

  • Environment

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.

  • Personality Traits

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.

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Types of 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.

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Diagnosis and Treatment options for OCD

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:

  • Psychotherapy 

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.

  • Medication

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

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)

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).

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Cost of OCD Treatments at BetterPlace

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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Our Doctors for Comprehensive OCD Treatment

Dr. Akul Gupta

Consultant Psychiatrist


Therapy Mode Online, In-person

Languages Hindi, English

Rating
5.0 / 5
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Ms. Lovleena Sharma

Clinical Psychologist


Therapy Mode Online, In-person

Languages Hindi, English

Rating
5.0 / 5
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Compassionate Mental Health Care for OCD

At BetterPlace, our experts have helped over 50,000 people navigate OCD and other mental health challenges.

  • Depression
  • ADHD
  • Generalized Anxiety
  • OCD
  • Schizophrenia
  • Anorexia
  • Agoraphobia
  • Panic Disorder
  • Social Anxiety
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Personality Disorders
  • Binge Eating
50
k+
Patients treated
10
k+
Conditions treated
5
k+
Assessments administered
Dr. Sunil Mittal
Dr. Mitali Srivastava

What makes our approach 'better'?

Holistic approach to recovery

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.

Specialist support for all severity levels

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.

Empowering you with practical tools

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.

Support for your loved ones

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.

Visiting BetterPlace?

When visiting BetterPlace, you can expect a welcoming environment where there is 0% judgment.

Detailed initial session (90 min)

Meet with both a psychologist and a psychiatrist

Comprehensive testing

Get an accurate understanding of your mental health

Treatment phase (3-8 Weeks)

Get a personalised treatment plan

Long-Term Support

Get ongoing care with regular follow-ups

Transformation Stories at BetterPlace

Start your journey
My OCD is finally under control

BetterPlace has helped me manage my OCD so that I can lead a normal life again. Before I would check the lock 23 times before leaving the house and adjust the car mirror 18 times before driving each time. Thanks to my sessions with Dr Akul I have finally broken free of that horrible chain. I feel so free I just cannot express it in words!

 

Monali S
I kept overcorrecting my work

I never realised how much OCD was affecting my life until I got help. I used to think I was just being a perfectionist. I’d keep overcorrecting the work I did, every small mistake was impossible to ignore, what wasn’t a mistake but felt like it was also too hard to ignore. It felt like my brain was on overdrive 24/7. Now, I’ve learned tools that actually work, and I’m finally finding peace. Seriously, reaching out was the best decision I’ve made.

 

Kunal J
I replayed every conversation in my head

For years, I couldn’t sleep without mentally replaying every conversation from my day, obsessing over things I might’ve said wrong. I’m not ‘cured,’ but I’m finally living life instead of overthinking it. The BetterPlace team has truly helped me live a better life.

Manisha M

Mental Health Partners to the prestigious National Heart Institute

Visit our Experts today!

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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