Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage it alone. OCD is a treatable condition, and with the right care, many people see meaningful improvement in their daily lives. The behavioral health team at Banner Health provides compassionate, evidence-based treatment to help you regain confidence and control. 

What is OCD? 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition that affects how a person thinks and behaves. People with OCD experience: 

• Obsessions: Persistent, unwanted thoughts, images or urges 
• Compulsions: Repetitive actions or mental rituals performed to reduce distress or prevent a feared outcome 

These symptoms can interfere with work, school, relationships and overall quality of life. OCD often begins in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood and can worsen during times of stress. 

Common obsessions 

Obsessions can take many forms. Some of the most common include: 

• Fear of germs, contamination or illness 
• Worries about harm coming to yourself or others 
• Concerns about safety, such as doors being unlocked or appliances left on 
• Intrusive thoughts about inappropriate, taboo or violent subjects 
• Intense need for order, exactness or symmetry 

Obsessions are difficult to control and can cause strong anxiety or discomfort. 

Common compulsions 

Compulsions are behaviors or mental actions used to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions. These often include: 

• Excessive handwashing or showering 
• Repeated checking of locks, appliances or safety items 
• Rearranging or ordering objects until they “feel right” 
• Counting, tapping or repeating phrases mentally 
• Seeking reassurance from others 
• Avoiding places, objects or situations that trigger obsessions 

While compulsions can temporarily ease anxiety, they reinforce OCD over time. 

Signs and symptoms of OCD 

Symptoms vary widely but often include: 

• Spending large amounts of time on rituals 
• Difficulty controlling unwanted thoughts 
• Feeling intense anxiety when unable to complete a ritual 
• Avoiding situations that trigger obsessions 
• Trouble focusing at work or school 
• Distress that interferes with daily life 

If symptoms last more than an hour a day or disrupt your routine, it may be time to seek help. 

How OCD is diagnosed 

A diagnosis is made through a detailed evaluation by a behavioral health professional. This includes: 

• A discussion about symptoms and how they affect your life 
• Screening for anxiety disorders, depression and other conditions 
• A medical review to rule out other causes of intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviors 

OCD is diagnosed based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). 

Treatment options for OCD 

OCD is highly treatable, especially when care combines therapy, medication or both. Banner Health offers a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention 

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the gold standard treatment for OCD. It gradually exposes you to feared thoughts or situations and helps you learn new ways to respond without performing compulsions. 

Medication

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other medications can reduce obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors. Your provider will help determine which option is right for you. 

Mindfulness-based strategies 

Mindfulness techniques can help you notice intrusive thoughts without reacting to them, reducing the power they hold over daily life. 

Advanced treatments 

For individuals with severe or treatment-resistant OCD, additional options may include: 

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) 
• Intensive outpatient programs 
• Supportive therapies for anxiety, depression or trauma 
• Care coordination with psychiatry 

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) 

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a type of talk therapy that can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) respond differently to intrusive thoughts and urges. Instead of trying to get rid of unwanted thoughts, ACT focuses on changing how you relate to them. 

With ACT, you learn to: 

• Notice obsessive thoughts without judging or fighting them 
• Accept uncomfortable feelings rather than avoiding them 
• Stay focused on what matters most to you, such as relationships, work or daily activities 

ACT helps people with OCD build psychological flexibility so thoughts have less control over behavior. It is often used alongside exposure and response prevention (ERP) or other evidence-based treatments as part of a personalized care plan. 

When to seek help 

Reach out for support if OCD symptoms: 

• Affect your relationships or work 
• Cause distress or shame 
• Interfere with daily routines 
• Lead to avoidance or isolation 
• Feel out of your control 

The sooner treatment begins, the better the long-term outlook. 

Support from Banner Health 

At Banner Health, our behavioral health specialists work with you to create a personalized care plan that meets your goals. Whether you’re seeking an evaluation, therapy or long-term support, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.