Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists in 20815

Photo of Joel Velazquez, Counselor in 20815, MD
Joel Velazquez
Counselor, LGPC, Esq
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815  (Online Only)
My areas of expertise are: Anxiety Disorders (Specific Phobia, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety, Illness Anxiety); Obsessive-Compulsive & Related Disorders (OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Hoarding, Trichotillomania, Excoriation); and Tic Disorders (Tourette's, Motor/Vocal Tic Disorder).
“Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free.” - Jim Morrison. Anxiety, worry, and fear are natural responses to possible dangers and threats. It allows us to account for possible negative consequences and prepare ourselves accordingly. However, sometimes anxiety becomes an ever-present state. This can turn life into a nightmare, constantly perceiving danger at every corner. Thankfully, anxiety disorders, OCD, and related problems are highly treatable. I work with patients to help them overcome their fears and to bring back the joy in their lives.
My areas of expertise are: Anxiety Disorders (Specific Phobia, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety, Illness Anxiety); Obsessive-Compulsive & Related Disorders (OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Hoarding, Trichotillomania, Excoriation); and Tic Disorders (Tourette's, Motor/Vocal Tic Disorder).
“Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free.” - Jim Morrison. Anxiety, worry, and fear are natural responses to possible dangers and threats. It allows us to account for possible negative consequences and prepare ourselves accordingly. However, sometimes anxiety becomes an ever-present state. This can turn life into a nightmare, constantly perceiving danger at every corner. Thankfully, anxiety disorders, OCD, and related problems are highly treatable. I work with patients to help them overcome their fears and to bring back the joy in their lives.
(202) 760-2049 View (202) 760-2049
Photo of Jessica Samson, Psyd, LLC, Psychologist in 20815, MD
Jessica Samson, Psyd, LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Hello, I am a licensed psychologist in a private practice setting who uses empirically- grounded treatment modalities to provide individual therapy to children, adolescents and young adults. I conduct cognitive-behavioral interventions for a range of anxiety disorders including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, OCD, and Specific Phobias. Additionally, I use a behavioral approach in my work with clients who present with Tic Disorders or Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors.
Hello, I am a licensed psychologist in a private practice setting who uses empirically- grounded treatment modalities to provide individual therapy to children, adolescents and young adults. I conduct cognitive-behavioral interventions for a range of anxiety disorders including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, OCD, and Specific Phobias. Additionally, I use a behavioral approach in my work with clients who present with Tic Disorders or Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors.
(240) 713-5475 View (240) 713-5475
Photo of Kimberly Thorner, Marriage & Family Therapist in 20815, MD
Kimberly Thorner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LCMFT
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815  (Online Only)
In my psychotherapy practice, I treat both individuals and couples and specialize in Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders. I provide a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental space utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My clients benefit from a goal-oriented approach and treatment tailored to their specific needs. I am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider and have a special interest in treating women around infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum issues. As an LCMFT, I also view client's issues within the context of their significant relationships.
In my psychotherapy practice, I treat both individuals and couples and specialize in Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders. I provide a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental space utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My clients benefit from a goal-oriented approach and treatment tailored to their specific needs. I am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider and have a special interest in treating women around infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum issues. As an LCMFT, I also view client's issues within the context of their significant relationships.
(240) 546-6615 View (240) 546-6615
Photo of Lenka Glassman, Psychologist in 20815, MD
Lenka Glassman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20815  (Online Only)
My expertise lies in working with clients struggling with Anxiety, OCD, and Eating Disorders.
Choosing the right therapist is critical to achieving real results. I strive to create a compassionate and safe space where you can realize your strengths and full potential. At the same time, I use an honest and direct approach to help you achieve your goals. I work with children, teens, and adults in individual therapy and also offer parent coaching. My ultimate goal is for you to leave therapy feeling empowered, confident, and armed with the tools you need to create a life you love. I feel privileged in helping my clients on their journey to creating healthier relationships with themselves and others.
My expertise lies in working with clients struggling with Anxiety, OCD, and Eating Disorders.
Choosing the right therapist is critical to achieving real results. I strive to create a compassionate and safe space where you can realize your strengths and full potential. At the same time, I use an honest and direct approach to help you achieve your goals. I work with children, teens, and adults in individual therapy and also offer parent coaching. My ultimate goal is for you to leave therapy feeling empowered, confident, and armed with the tools you need to create a life you love. I feel privileged in helping my clients on their journey to creating healthier relationships with themselves and others.
(202) 335-3724 View (202) 335-3724
Photo of Deborah S Cole, Psychologist in 20815, MD
Deborah S Cole
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20815  (Online Only)
I treat depression, anxiety, sex addiction, OCD, trichotillomania (hair pulling), tics and Tourettes, and over-spending.
I will be seeing patients Online only, with the exception of clients with hoarding and OCD who may need to be seen at home. http://www.drdeborahcole.com Are you finding that emotional issues, anxiety, depression or compulsions are interfering with your life? Do your thoughts or behaviors get in the way of relatiionships? My goal is to help clients take back their lives from compulsions and other mental health issues which take up their time and energy and get in the way of their success and peace of mind. I am interested in working with clients who are motivated to work collaboratively so that they can live freely.
I treat depression, anxiety, sex addiction, OCD, trichotillomania (hair pulling), tics and Tourettes, and over-spending.
I will be seeing patients Online only, with the exception of clients with hoarding and OCD who may need to be seen at home. http://www.drdeborahcole.com Are you finding that emotional issues, anxiety, depression or compulsions are interfering with your life? Do your thoughts or behaviors get in the way of relatiionships? My goal is to help clients take back their lives from compulsions and other mental health issues which take up their time and energy and get in the way of their success and peace of mind. I am interested in working with clients who are motivated to work collaboratively so that they can live freely.
(410) 988-3335 View (410) 988-3335
Photo of Joanna Chango-James, Psychologist in 20815, MD
Joanna Chango-James
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20815  (Online Only)
Dr. Chango-James specializes in the treatment of anxiety (OCD, GAD, Specific Phobias, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Trichotillomania, Excoriation), trauma and PTSD, insomnia, and chronic pain. Additionally, she is trained to work with couples and families experiencing relationship and communication challenges. She typically works with late adolescents and adults from a variety of backgrounds. Dr. Chango-James believes in the importance of providing empirically supported treatments that fit the individual needs of each patient and integrating evidence-based approaches and scientific research into her psychotherapy practice.
Dr. Chango-James specializes in the treatment of anxiety (OCD, GAD, Specific Phobias, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Trichotillomania, Excoriation), trauma and PTSD, insomnia, and chronic pain. Additionally, she is trained to work with couples and families experiencing relationship and communication challenges. She typically works with late adolescents and adults from a variety of backgrounds. Dr. Chango-James believes in the importance of providing empirically supported treatments that fit the individual needs of each patient and integrating evidence-based approaches and scientific research into her psychotherapy practice.
(571) 297-8328 View (571) 297-8328
Photo of Sapna Doshi, Psychologist in 20815, MD
Sapna Doshi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
19 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Dr. Doshi specializes in the treating of eating disorders, body image concerns, behavioral weight management, pre & post bariatric counseling, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, depression, and multicultural and identity-related concerns. She utilizes scientific, evidence-based approaches to inform her treatment with clients. She specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).
Dr. Doshi specializes in the treating of eating disorders, body image concerns, behavioral weight management, pre & post bariatric counseling, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, depression, and multicultural and identity-related concerns. She utilizes scientific, evidence-based approaches to inform her treatment with clients. She specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).
(703) 783-9118 View (703) 783-9118
Photo of Haley Neidich, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 20815, MD
Haley Neidich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20815  (Online Only)
Accepting new clients. Welcome! I'm glad you're taking action to get the support you need and deserve. With over 15 years of experience, I specialize in providing support for individuals, children and families facing the complexities of life and coping with mental health conditions. If you're looking for solutions to help with anxiety, depression, OCD, a challenging life transition, or the unique challenges of the perinatal period, you're in the right place. I'm not just a therapist; I'm a partner in your journey towards well-being. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs.
Accepting new clients. Welcome! I'm glad you're taking action to get the support you need and deserve. With over 15 years of experience, I specialize in providing support for individuals, children and families facing the complexities of life and coping with mental health conditions. If you're looking for solutions to help with anxiety, depression, OCD, a challenging life transition, or the unique challenges of the perinatal period, you're in the right place. I'm not just a therapist; I'm a partner in your journey towards well-being. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs.
(727) 291-7400 View (727) 291-7400
Photo of Moshe L. Miller, Psychologist in 20815, MD
Moshe L. Miller
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20815
As a licensed clinical psychologist I specialize in the treatment of Anxiety and Trauma related disorders including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I am passionate about flexibly applying evidence-based treatments to help you live a vital and rich life. If you are looking to get unstuck and back to a meaningful life, I am excited to help you take that journey.
As a licensed clinical psychologist I specialize in the treatment of Anxiety and Trauma related disorders including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I am passionate about flexibly applying evidence-based treatments to help you live a vital and rich life. If you are looking to get unstuck and back to a meaningful life, I am excited to help you take that journey.
(667) 222-5581 View (667) 222-5581
Photo of Greta Carlson, Psychologist in 20815, MD
Greta Carlson
Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Welcome! I'm a clinical psychologist with nearly a decade of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. I see children, adolescents, and young adults aged 5 and up with depression, chronic PTSD and dissociation, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. My clients present with a range of concerns, including anxiety, ruminative thoughts, shame feelings, and perfectionism. Having had extensive experience in both psychodynamic psychotherapy and Trauma Focused-CBT, I take an integrative approach when working with clients-I collaborate with you and your child to tailor your goals and address needs for treatment.
Welcome! I'm a clinical psychologist with nearly a decade of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. I see children, adolescents, and young adults aged 5 and up with depression, chronic PTSD and dissociation, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. My clients present with a range of concerns, including anxiety, ruminative thoughts, shame feelings, and perfectionism. Having had extensive experience in both psychodynamic psychotherapy and Trauma Focused-CBT, I take an integrative approach when working with clients-I collaborate with you and your child to tailor your goals and address needs for treatment.
(301) 368-6469 View (301) 368-6469
Photo of Aleeza Michael-Tabrizi, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 20815, MD
Aleeza Michael-Tabrizi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
I offer help to those struggling with anxiety and depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, grief, parenting and relationship issues.
Starting therapy can be quite a scary decision, and finding a therapist can be an extensive process. But once you've found the right therapist, your positive journey towards healing begins. Through my warm, compassionate practice, I help challenge my clients to dig deeper to find their unresolved feelings that have created negative life perspectives.
I offer help to those struggling with anxiety and depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, grief, parenting and relationship issues.
Starting therapy can be quite a scary decision, and finding a therapist can be an extensive process. But once you've found the right therapist, your positive journey towards healing begins. Through my warm, compassionate practice, I help challenge my clients to dig deeper to find their unresolved feelings that have created negative life perspectives.
(301) 477-8206 View (301) 477-8206
Photo of Judy Wang, Counselor in 20815, MD
Judy Wang
Counselor, CPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20815  (Online Only)
Is life not going the way you imaged? Maybe you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, other emotions or even numb to any emotions. You’ve read plenty of books under the self-help genre but nothing’s changed except now you think you are a people pleaser, have OCD tendencies, maybe suffered some sort of trauma and the list goes on. You overthink about things that have happened in the past, things that potentially may happen in the future while missing out on what is happening right now. This anxiety is getting to you and you just want to start enjoying life.
Is life not going the way you imaged? Maybe you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, other emotions or even numb to any emotions. You’ve read plenty of books under the self-help genre but nothing’s changed except now you think you are a people pleaser, have OCD tendencies, maybe suffered some sort of trauma and the list goes on. You overthink about things that have happened in the past, things that potentially may happen in the future while missing out on what is happening right now. This anxiety is getting to you and you just want to start enjoying life.
(702) 447-0424 View (702) 447-0424
Photo of Diane Gilman, Psychologist in 20815, MD
Diane Gilman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20815
Are you experiencing chronic illness or pain? Do you feel stress, anxiety, and depression emotionally AND physically? My practice focuses on treating both the mind and the body using a caring, holistic approach. I am a certified Integrative Medicine Mental Health Provider, and have 15 years of experience working with adults, teens, children, couples, and families experiencing illness/pain, anxiety, phobias, OCD, depression, eating disorders, difficulty with life transitions and relationships, weight loss, and smoking struggles. I empower my clients in a safe environment by teaching them real-life techniques to ensure fast results.
Are you experiencing chronic illness or pain? Do you feel stress, anxiety, and depression emotionally AND physically? My practice focuses on treating both the mind and the body using a caring, holistic approach. I am a certified Integrative Medicine Mental Health Provider, and have 15 years of experience working with adults, teens, children, couples, and families experiencing illness/pain, anxiety, phobias, OCD, depression, eating disorders, difficulty with life transitions and relationships, weight loss, and smoking struggles. I empower my clients in a safe environment by teaching them real-life techniques to ensure fast results.
(301) 861-0668 View (301) 861-0668
Photo of Pamela G. Luttig, Psychologist in 20815, MD
Pamela G. Luttig
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
I treat a wide range of issues such as anxiety, panic disorders, depression, stress, trauma, social difficulties, adjustment problems, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, behavior problems, and family conflict.
I help children, adolescents, young adults, parents & families, providing individual therapy, family therapy, & parent coaching. Each person and treatment is unique, but I integrate several techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), parent coaching, family systems, meditation, and hypnosis. Please contact me at 301-365-8105 or drpamluttig@gmail.com. If you prefer, we can have that initial contact over teletherapy. You can tell me about the issues, and I will describe how I would approach the therapy or refer you to someone else who can help.
I treat a wide range of issues such as anxiety, panic disorders, depression, stress, trauma, social difficulties, adjustment problems, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, behavior problems, and family conflict.
I help children, adolescents, young adults, parents & families, providing individual therapy, family therapy, & parent coaching. Each person and treatment is unique, but I integrate several techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), parent coaching, family systems, meditation, and hypnosis. Please contact me at 301-365-8105 or drpamluttig@gmail.com. If you prefer, we can have that initial contact over teletherapy. You can tell me about the issues, and I will describe how I would approach the therapy or refer you to someone else who can help.
(301) 365-8105 View (301) 365-8105
Photo of Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychologist in 20815, MD
Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Since it was founded in 2003 by Dr. Stephen Holland, Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been providing research-proven treatment and compassionate care in Washington, DC. In 2020, we expanded our practice to provide treatment and psychological assessments to children, adolescents, and adults in Bethesda, MD. CBT has been shown to be effective for a number of problems, including: depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, phobias, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, personality disorders, and relationship problems.
Since it was founded in 2003 by Dr. Stephen Holland, Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been providing research-proven treatment and compassionate care in Washington, DC. In 2020, we expanded our practice to provide treatment and psychological assessments to children, adolescents, and adults in Bethesda, MD. CBT has been shown to be effective for a number of problems, including: depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, phobias, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, personality disorders, and relationship problems.
(301) 720-1186 View (301) 720-1186
Photo of Caroline Freedenberg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 20815, MD
Caroline Freedenberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Many women and partners/fathers feel sad, anxious, stressed, and struggle to find joy or experience barriers connecting with their pregnancy or baby. You are not alone, and it is not your fault. Think of me as an ally in your corner, a mirror for your strengths, and a strategist walking alongside you during this time. I am passionate about working with women and parents experiencing perinatal anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorders during or following a pregnancy, and navigating parenthood.
Many women and partners/fathers feel sad, anxious, stressed, and struggle to find joy or experience barriers connecting with their pregnancy or baby. You are not alone, and it is not your fault. Think of me as an ally in your corner, a mirror for your strengths, and a strategist walking alongside you during this time. I am passionate about working with women and parents experiencing perinatal anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorders during or following a pregnancy, and navigating parenthood.
(202) 759-5869 View (202) 759-5869
Photo of Reji Abhilash, Psychologist in 20815, MD
Reji Abhilash
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
My ideal client is one who has psychological mindedness to seek help & attains mental stability & self-acceptance to overcome their distress. I have the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients (children, adolescents, and adults) in providing appropriate interventions, targeting recovery & progress. I provide specialized evidence-based intervention for clients diagnosed with anxiety (OCD, panic attacks & social anxiety), depression, grief, trauma and PTSD, addiction, schizophrenia, bipolar & personality disorders (BPD), Alzheimer's & dementia including caretaking burden of the family to improve their quality of life.
My ideal client is one who has psychological mindedness to seek help & attains mental stability & self-acceptance to overcome their distress. I have the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients (children, adolescents, and adults) in providing appropriate interventions, targeting recovery & progress. I provide specialized evidence-based intervention for clients diagnosed with anxiety (OCD, panic attacks & social anxiety), depression, grief, trauma and PTSD, addiction, schizophrenia, bipolar & personality disorders (BPD), Alzheimer's & dementia including caretaking burden of the family to improve their quality of life.
(301) 900-6396 View (301) 900-6396
Photo of Karyne Messina, Psychologist in 20815, MD
Karyne Messina
Psychologist, EdD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815  (Online Only)
When I see a new patient for the first time, I try to assess what he or she wants from life or from what each person is struggling. I do this with individuals or parents so together so we can determine what is best for him or her or their child at the current time. Sometimes people want to work on one problem and then develop a curiosity about how their minds work. Often in those situations, I work more intensely and more frequency to search for what is meaning to people and how they wants to navigate in the world in a freer way.
When I see a new patient for the first time, I try to assess what he or she wants from life or from what each person is struggling. I do this with individuals or parents so together so we can determine what is best for him or her or their child at the current time. Sometimes people want to work on one problem and then develop a curiosity about how their minds work. Often in those situations, I work more intensely and more frequency to search for what is meaning to people and how they wants to navigate in the world in a freer way.
(301) 533-7606 View (301) 533-7606
Photo of Rebecca Katz, Psychologist in 20815, MD
Rebecca Katz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
After years of working in New York, I am now happily serving the Maryland, DC, and Virginia community. I am a clinical psychologist providing evidenced based treatment to adults, children and adolescents. I have extensive experience working with a broad range of issues including anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and low self-esteem. My specialty training in the treatment of eating and weight disorders offers a unique perspective as an expert in the implementation and practice of family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
After years of working in New York, I am now happily serving the Maryland, DC, and Virginia community. I am a clinical psychologist providing evidenced based treatment to adults, children and adolescents. I have extensive experience working with a broad range of issues including anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and low self-esteem. My specialty training in the treatment of eating and weight disorders offers a unique perspective as an expert in the implementation and practice of family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
(240) 428-2934 View (240) 428-2934
Photo of Patti Goohs, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in 20815, MD
Patti Goohs
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20815
I am a mental health counselor specializing in substance abuse and addiction. While my main focus is working with this population, it is extremely common for individuals who find themselves struggling with drugs and/or alcohol to also be riddled with depression, anxiety, ADHD, relational difficulties, and other dually diagnosed illnesses. My ideal client is an adult heterosexual or gay individual who is both curious and willing to explore the reasons underlying their problematic use, because often the drink or the drug, which started out as a simple solution has now become yet another problem to heal!
I am a mental health counselor specializing in substance abuse and addiction. While my main focus is working with this population, it is extremely common for individuals who find themselves struggling with drugs and/or alcohol to also be riddled with depression, anxiety, ADHD, relational difficulties, and other dually diagnosed illnesses. My ideal client is an adult heterosexual or gay individual who is both curious and willing to explore the reasons underlying their problematic use, because often the drink or the drug, which started out as a simple solution has now become yet another problem to heal!
(202) 471-1793 View (202) 471-1793
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists

How long does OCD treatment take?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often treated on a weekly or twice-weekly schedule, depending on symptom severity and the client’s preferences. Some clients may start to see a noticeable improvement in symptoms in as little as six weeks, but it’s also possible, especially in more severe cases, for treatment to take several months to a year before significant progress is made.

What happens if OCD is not treated?

Some people with OCD, especially those with mild symptoms, may find that they are able to adapt reasonably well to life with the condition, even if their symptoms never resolve completely. However, many people, particularly those whose symptoms are severe at the outset, find that their obsessions and compulsions grow more intrusive with time, making it harder to maintain relationships, hold down a job, or navigate the world successfully.

Are there medications for OCD?

Medication can be used to treat OCD. The class of drugs most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which include fluvoxamine (under the brand name Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft), among others. In cases of treatment-resistant OCD, other classes of medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics, may be prescribed. Medication is frequently used in conjunction with therapy.

Can OCD come back after treatment?

Yes. Major life transitions, periods of stress, or other factors can cause symptoms to return or, if they were never fully eradicated, to ramp back up in intensity. For some, these relapses are brief and do not require additional treatment; identifying specific triggers and practicing the skills learned in therapy can help speed their course. For others, returning to therapy for a brief period can help address the underlying stress and strengthen coping mechanisms.