Obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD) can feel incredibly confusing and distressing for the people who experience it. At its core, OCD involves obsessions—unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that create significant anxiety or discomfort. These thoughts often feel out of character or alarming, and people with OCD typically recognize that they don’t make sense, yet they still feel intensely real. In response to this distress, many individuals develop compulsions: repetitive behaviors or mental rituals aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing something bad from happening. According to the DSM‑5, these obsessions and compulsions are time‑consuming or interfere with daily life, and they aren’t simply habits—they’re attempts to cope with overwhelming internal distress.

OCD can also affect how a person sees themselves and their world. People may feel ashamed of their intrusive thoughts, worry about what they “mean,” or fear that having the thought is the same as acting on it. Others may become caught in cycles of checking, cleaning, seeking reassurance, or mentally reviewing events to feel safe. These patterns are not signs of weakness or character flaws—they are signs that the brain is stuck in a loop of threat and relief. When these symptoms persist and begin to limit daily functioning, they may fit the DSM‑5 criteria for OCD. Evidence‑based treatments can help people break these cycles, reduce the power of intrusive thoughts, and reclaim a sense of freedom and confidence in their daily lives.

Dr. Schafer uses Exposure and Response Prevention to treat OCD.