Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor treats Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

A mental health specialist usually treats OCD. This can be a psychiatrist, a medical doctor who treats mental health conditions, or a psychologist, a therapist trained in talk therapy. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder with thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that happen over and over. They get in the way of your life, and you cannot control or stop them.

It is a myth that OCD just means being neat. Cleaning can be one symptom. But OCD more often means getting stuck on an action you feel you must repeat.

Symptoms

People with OCD may have obsessions, compulsions, or both.

Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety. They may involve:

  • Fear of germs or contamination.
  • Fear of forgetting, losing, or misplacing something.
  • Fear of losing control over your behavior.
  • Unwanted forbidden thoughts about sex or religion.

Compulsions are behaviors you feel you need to do over and over to ease your anxiety or stop the obsessive thoughts. Common ones include:

  • Excessive cleaning or handwashing.
  • Checking things again and again, such as whether the door is locked or the oven is off.
  • Compulsive counting.

Some people with OCD also have Tourette syndrome or another tic disorder.

Causes and who gets it

The cause of OCD is unknown. Genetics, brain biology and chemistry, and your environment may play a role.

OCD usually begins in the teen years or young adulthood. Boys are often diagnosed at a younger age than girls. Risk factors include:

  • Family history. A parent, brother, sister, or child with OCD raises your risk.
  • Childhood trauma, such as child abuse. Some studies have found a link to OCD, but more research is needed.
  • Temperament. Children who are shy, often unhappy, or anxious and depressed may be more likely to develop OCD.

Some children develop OCD or OCD symptoms after a strep infection. This is called PANDAS.

How doctors diagnose it

The first step is to talk with your health care provider about your symptoms. Your provider will do a physical exam. They will ask about your health history to rule out other problems. If a physical problem does not explain your symptoms, your provider may do an OCD test. They may also refer you to a mental health specialist.

OCD can be hard to diagnose because it looks like other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders. Not everyone with obsessions or compulsions has OCD. Symptoms are usually considered OCD when you:

  • Cannot control your thoughts or behaviors, even when you know they are excessive.
  • Spend at least 1 hour a day on them.
  • Get no pleasure from the behaviors, though they may briefly relieve anxiety.
  • Have significant problems in daily life because of them.

Treatment

The main treatments for OCD are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medicines, or both. CBT is a type of talk therapy. It teaches you different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to your obsessions and compulsions.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specific type of CBT. It gradually exposes you to your fears or obsessions. You learn healthy ways to deal with the anxiety they cause.

Medicines for OCD include certain types of antidepressants. If those do not work, your provider may suggest another type of psychiatric medicine.

If you have severe OCD that does not improve, your provider may suggest repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This brain stimulation procedure uses magnetic pulses to target brain areas linked to OCD.

The National Institute of Mental Health says there is no cure for OCD. Available treatments can help people manage symptoms, take part in daily activities, and improve their quality of life.

When to see a doctor

Talk with your provider about your symptoms. Symptoms are usually considered OCD when you cannot control them, spend at least 1 hour a day on them, or have significant problems in daily life.

If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) right away. In life-threatening situations, call 911.

How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A doctor like this can review your symptoms, rule out other health problems, and refer you to a mental health specialist. They can also help with follow-up and coordinate your care.

Common questions

Is OCD just being neat?

No, it is a myth that OCD just means being neat. Cleaning can be one symptom, but OCD more often involves getting stuck on an action you feel compelled to repeat.

Can OCD be cured?

No, the National Institute of Mental Health says there is no cure for OCD. Available treatments can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

When does OCD usually start?

OCD usually begins in the teen years or young adulthood. Boys are often diagnosed at a younger age than girls.

What is exposure and response prevention?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy. It gradually exposes you to your fears or obsessions.

Can a person have OCD and another mental health condition?

Yes, it is common for people with OCD to also have a mood or anxiety disorder. Some people with OCD also have Tourette syndrome or another tic disorder.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  2. National Institute of Mental Health - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.