OCD is more than just liking things neat or being particular. It's a serious condition where unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) cause intense anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) you feel driven to perform. These can consume hours each day and significantly interfere with your life.
OCD is characterized by a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). You may try to ignore or stop your obsessions, but that only increases distress. Ultimately, you feel driven to perform compulsive acts to ease stress.
About 1-2% of the population has OCD. It affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Symptoms often begin in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, with most people diagnosed by age 19.
Recognizing symptoms is the first step toward getting help. Not everyone experiences all symptoms.
The exact cause of OCD isn't fully understood, but research points to several contributing factors:
Effective treatments are available. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches.
The most effective treatment for OCD. You're gradually exposed to your fears while learning to resist performing compulsions. Though challenging, it significantly reduces symptoms.
Helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. You learn to challenge OCD thoughts and develop healthier response patterns.
Often prescribed for OCD, though typically at higher doses than for depression. They help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Stress can worsen OCD symptoms. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, relaxation techniques, and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs help manage symptoms.
Connecting with others who have OCD reduces isolation and provides practical coping strategies.
These strategies can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Fighting the urge to perform compulsions is hard but gets easier with practice:
You can't control what thoughts pop into your head, but you can change how you respond:
These habits support recovery and prevent symptom worsening:
Supporting someone with OCD means understanding that their thoughts and behaviors are driven by intense anxiety, not choice.
"I notice you've been [compulsion]. Is your OCD giving you a hard time?"
"How can I support you without reinforcing the OCD?"
"What would be helpful when you're feeling anxious?"
"I'm proud of you for working on this. How's therapy going?"
adults in the U.S. have OCD
of onset is 19, though symptoms can appear in childhood
of people with OCD experience symptoms before age 25
or more per day may be consumed by obsessions and compulsions
Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or call 988 for immediate support.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
OCD is more than just liking things neat or being particular. It's a serious condition where unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) cause intense anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) you feel driven to perform. These can consume hours each day and significantly interfere with your life.
OCD is characterized by a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). You may try to ignore or stop your obsessions, but that only increases distress. Ultimately, you feel driven to perform compulsive acts to ease stress.
About 1-2% of the population has OCD. It affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Symptoms often begin in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, with most people diagnosed by age 19.
Recognizing symptoms is the first step toward getting help. Not everyone experiences all symptoms.
The exact cause of OCD isn't fully understood, but research points to several contributing factors:
Effective treatments are available. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches.
The most effective treatment for OCD. You're gradually exposed to your fears while learning to resist performing compulsions. Though challenging, it significantly reduces symptoms.
Helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. You learn to challenge OCD thoughts and develop healthier response patterns.
Often prescribed for OCD, though typically at higher doses than for depression. They help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Stress can worsen OCD symptoms. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, relaxation techniques, and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs help manage symptoms.
Connecting with others who have OCD reduces isolation and provides practical coping strategies.
These strategies can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Fighting the urge to perform compulsions is hard but gets easier with practice:
You can't control what thoughts pop into your head, but you can change how you respond:
These habits support recovery and prevent symptom worsening:
Supporting someone with OCD means understanding that their thoughts and behaviors are driven by intense anxiety, not choice.
"I notice you've been [compulsion]. Is your OCD giving you a hard time?"
"How can I support you without reinforcing the OCD?"
"What would be helpful when you're feeling anxious?"
"I'm proud of you for working on this. How's therapy going?"
adults in the U.S. have OCD
of onset is 19, though symptoms can appear in childhood
of people with OCD experience symptoms before age 25
or more per day may be consumed by obsessions and compulsions
Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or call 988 for immediate support.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.