Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is more than being “a neat freak” or liking things organized. 

It’s a brain-based condition that creates a cycle of unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions).

For some, these rituals provide brief relief from anxiety, but they often grow over time, taking up more and more of your energy and interfering with work, relationships, and daily life.

The good news? With the right care, OCD symptoms can be managed, and life can feel calmer and more in your control again.

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What is it really?

OCD isn’t a personality trait or a quirk. It’s a medical condition that changes the way your brain processes threat and safety signals.

Obsessions may look like fears of contamination, harm, making mistakes, or disturbing intrusive thoughts you don’t want.

Compulsions are the repetitive behaviors or mental rituals done to try to quiet the anxiety — like checking, cleaning, counting, or repeating phrases.

Some people experience obsessions without visible compulsions, spending hours stuck in mental loops. Others may perform physical checks dozens of times a day. Both are forms of OCD.

How is it experienced?

Living with OCD can feel like being stuck in a loop:

  • A thought pops in (for example: “What if I left the stove on?”).
  • Anxiety spikes.
  • You feel driven to perform a ritual (checking the stove again and again).
  • Relief is temporary, and the cycle restarts.

Over time, OCD can:

  • Make daily tasks feel overwhelming.
  • Cause embarrassment or shame about rituals.
  • Lead to avoidance of people, places, or activities that trigger symptoms.
  • Steal time and energy from the things you want to focus on.

Types of OCD

Contamination OCD

Fear of germs, illness, or chemicals, leading to excessive cleaning or avoidance.

Checking OCD

 Repeatedly checking doors, appliances, or belongings to prevent harm.

Symmetry & Ordering OCD

Needing objects arranged “just right” or in a specific pattern.

Intrusive Thought OCD

Unwanted, distressing thoughts or images, often violent, sexual, or blasphemous sometimes without visible compulsions.

Hoarding OCD

Difficulty discarding items due to fear of needing them later.

Symptoms of OCD

Obsessions (intrusive thoughts, images, or urges):

  • Fear of contamination from germs or toxins
  • Doubts about whether you did something correctly
  • Intense need for symmetry, order, or perfection
  • Disturbing unwanted thoughts (aggressive, sexual, or blasphemous in nature)

Compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental rituals):

  • Excessive cleaning or handwashing
  • Repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or personal items
  • Counting, tapping, or arranging objects until it feels “right”
  • Mentally repeating prayers, words, or phrases to feel safe

Impact on daily life:

  • Spending over an hour a day on rituals
  • Avoiding situations that trigger obsessions
  • Distress, guilt, or shame about symptoms
  • Difficulty focusing on work, school, or relationships
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How We Treat OCD

At the Madix Clinic, we focus on easing the intrusive thoughts and repetitive urges that make OCD so exhausting. Treatment may include:

Medication management - SSRIs and other options that are highly effective in reducing obsessive thoughts and compulsive urges.

Support for co-occurring conditions - Addressing anxiety, depression, or insomnia that often overlap with OCD.

Collaboration with therapists - Working alongside ERP or CBT providers when additional therapy is part of care.

Daily functioning support - Helping you reclaim time and energy lost to obsessions and rituals.

Myths vs. Facts about OCD

Myth: Everyone is “a little OCD.”
Fact: OCD is a serious, diagnosable condition that can significantly disrupt life. It’s not the same as being tidy or particular.
Myth: OCD is only about cleanliness.
Fact: OCD can involve a wide range of themes, including harm, symmetry, or intrusive thoughts unrelated to germs or order.
Myth: People with OCD can simply stop if they try harder.
Fact: OCD is a brain-based condition. Willpower alone isn’t enough, treatment and support are needed.

Why treat with the Madix Clinic?

Psychiatric expertise

We specialize in medication management to reduce symptoms and make daily life easier.

Telehealth

Access care from the comfort of your home or any private space.​

Whole-person support

We address OCD along with related challenges like anxiety, depression, or sleep problems.

Individualized care

You’re not just your symptoms. We listen, adjust, and support you as a whole person.

Questions About OCD

How do I know if it’s OCD or just a habit?

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Habits are usually under your control. OCD rituals are driven by anxiety and feel almost impossible to resist, even when you know they don’t make sense.

Is online treatment effective for OCD?

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Yes. Medication management can be handled completely through telehealth, and if you're also in therapy, we can coordinate with your therapist virtually.

What if my intrusive thoughts are really disturbing - does that mean something about me?

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No. Intrusive thoughts are a symptom of OCD, not a reflection of who you are or what you want. Many people with OCD feel deep shame about these thoughts, but they are unwanted and do not define your character. Treatment can help reduce their intensity and give you paace of mind.

Can't I just tell my brain to chill out? 

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We wish it listened that easily! OCD has a way of looping thoughts no matter how hard you try. With the right treatment, those loops can finally loosen.

Do I have to take medication?

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Not always. But for many people, medication makes symptoms more manageable and improves quality of life. We’ll discuss whether it’s right for you.

Can OCD go away completely?

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Some people do achieve remission, but for many, OCD is long-term. The good news is that symptoms can often be greatly reduced with the right treatment plan.

Still not sure whether you need treatment?

Book a free consultation