OCD 101: Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Available with English captions and subtitles in Spanish.

It’s common to hear someone described as “so OCD” just because they like things neat—but OCD is much more than a preference for cleanliness. Obsessive compulsive disorder is a serious, often debilitating mental health condition marked by intrusive thoughts and repetitive, distress-driven behaviors. It’s not a quirk—it’s a condition that deserves understanding and proper care.

So what should you know about OCD and the many misconceptions about it? Why is the disorder often confused with everyday anxiety and common quirks? And how is it most effectively treated?

Audience Questions

Lisa W. Coyne, PhD, breaks down the many types of OCD obsessions and compulsions, explores potential causes and risk factors, and explains how exposure and response prevention therapy is often used to treat the disorder.

  • How would you define what obsessions are in OCD?
  • What are compulsions?
  • Why is the “disorder” component critical to understanding OCD?
  • How common is OCD?
  • Is OCD often missed or overlooked?
  • What should we know about what causes OCD, such as genetics and environmental factors?
  • Why is OCD no longer in the anxiety disorder category?
  • What should we know about hoarding in relation to OCD?
  • What are the most common anxiety disorders?
  • Can you explain the distinction between OCD and OCPD?
  • Why is it important to distinguish OCD from its misuse as an adjective?
  • What can happen if OCD goes untreated?
  • What guidance do you have for someone wondering if they might have OCD?
  • What are some red flags that might indicate someone has OCD?
  • How is OCD typically diagnosed?
  • What should we know about common co-occurring conditions with OCD?
  • What does OCD treatment typically look like?
  • What’s the science behind exposure and response prevention (ERP)?
  • Why is it important to find therapists specifically trained in ERP?
  • From a therapist’s perspective, how can someone feel comfortable asking questions to see if the provider is the right fit for them?
  • What are the different levels of care, and how do they factor into OCD treatment?
  • Why does the specific type of OCD thoughts matter less than how the condition works overall?
  • Can you explain what mental compulsions are?
  • To what degree should loved ones be involved in the treatment process?
  • What OCD trainings are available for clinicians? When should they refer out to a specialist?
  • What success have you seen through effective OCD treatment?

The information discussed is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for guidance provided by your health care provider. Please consult with your treatment team before making any changes to your care plan.

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About Dr. Coyne

Lisa W. Coyne, PhD, is a senior clinical consultant at McLean Hospital and an assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry, part-time, at Harvard Medical School. She is a licensed clinical psychologist, an internationally recognized acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) trainer, and the author of numerous books for parents, children, and teens.

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