OCD isn’t just liking things neat or organized. It involves intrusive, distressing thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) done to reduce anxiety or prevent something bad from happening—even when you know it doesn’t fully make sense.

What OCD can feel like

Examples of obsessions and compulsions include:

• Intrusive fears about contamination, harm, or “being a bad person”

• Repeated checking (locks, appliances, emails, messages)

• Counting, repeating phrases, or mental reviewing

• Arranging or ordering items until it feels “just right”

• Excessive reassurance-seeking from others

• Avoiding situations that trigger obsessive thoughts

People with OCD often feel ashamed or misunderstood and may hide symptoms for years.

How treatment can help

Effective treatment for OCD usually combines:

• Medications such as SSRIs at higher OCD-target doses

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy (a specialized CBT approach)

• Education about how OCD works in the brain

• Gradual reduction of compulsions and avoidance behaviors

Medication can help lower the intensity of obsessions and anxiety so ERP therapy is easier to engage in.

How BLT Tele Psychiatry supports OCD

At BLT Tele Psychiatry:

• We help clarify whether your symptoms fit OCD, anxiety, or something else

• We discuss medication options and realistic expectations for improvement

• We strongly encourage pairing medication with ERP and can help coordinate with OCD-focused therapists

• Follow-up visits focus on adjusting medication, tracking progress, and supporting your therapy work

All visits are virtual and available to adults located in New York State.

If you’re stuck in loops of intrusive thoughts and rituals, you don’t have to untangle it alone. There are well-studied, effective treatments for OCD.