Match with a therapist

SonderMind Video Telehealth™

SonderMind Video Telehealth™ sessions are a safe, convenient, and secure way to see your therapist when time, weather, travel or any of life's curve balls make it difficult to have an in-person session. Be sure to talk with your therapist about how you may be able to benefit from video sessions.

Match with a therapist
Our offices are closed Monday, July 5th, in observation of Independence Day. Support services will resume on Tuesday, July 6th, at 5AM MDT.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Back to topics

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCD is a common, chronic and long-lasting anxiety disorder in which people have recurring and unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations that make them feel driven to do something repetitively.

Causes

It is not yet clear what causes OCD. There are many underlying contributors such as brain structure and function, genetics and increased environmental risk factors that make a person more susceptible to OCD. It is most likely a complex combination of these factors.

Symptoms

  • Fear of germs or contamination
  • Aggressive thoughts towards others or self
  • Excessive cleaning and/or hand washing
  • Ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way
  • Compulsive counting
  • Can’t control thoughts or behaviors, even when they are recognized as excessive
  • Experiences significant problems in their daily life due to these thoughts or behaviors

Am I at risk?

OCD is a common disorder that affects adults, adolescents and children. Risk factors include:

  • Family history
  • Other mental health disorders
  • Environment (abuse, trauma, illness)

OCD At A Glance

  • Lifetime prevalence of OCD among US adults is 2.3%
  • OCD symptoms usually begin gradually and tend to vary in severity throughout life
  • There are many types of treatment for OCD