Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Care

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce distress. 

Obsessions commonly revolve around fears of contamination, harm, disorder, or moral transgressions, while compulsions may involve excessive cleaning, checking, counting, reassurance and information seeking, or arranging. There are many other visible and invisible compulsions that can manifest. Although these rituals may bring temporary relief, they often worsen symptoms by reinforcing the cycle of obsessive thinking.

This cycle defines OCD: intrusive thoughts trigger anxiety, prompting compulsive behaviors to manage the discomfort. Without treatment, this pattern becomes increasingly disruptive to everyday life. However, with the right psychiatric support, including therapy and/or medication, individuals can manage symptoms effectively and regain a sense of control.

OCD symptoms can vary widely. Effective care often includes a combination of psychotherapy and medications managed by a qualified psychiatrist or nurse practitioner for OCD.

How Common Is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder affects about 1.5% of women and 1% of men globally. In the U.S., approximately 2.5% of the population experiences OCD at some point in life. It can begin in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and often leads to significant emotional and functional challenges without proper care.

Common Types of OCD Treated at Fine Tune Psychiatry

OCD manifests in a range of obsessive themes and compulsive behaviors. Common examples include:

• Contamination OCD: Obsessions about germs or illness, leading to behaviors like frequent handwashing or excessive sanitizing.
• Symmetry and Order OCD: A need for balance or exactness, resulting in constant organizing or arranging objects.
• Harm-Related OCD: Fears of unintentionally causing harm, often leading to repetitive checking or reassurance-seeking.
• Sexual Obsessions: Intrusive and distressing thoughts related to sexuality or inappropriate behavior.
• Self-Harm Obsessions: Unwanted thoughts about hurting oneself, often accompanied by avoidance or mental rituals.
• Religious or Moral OCD (Scrupulosity): Excessive concern with morality, leading to compulsions like repeated praying or confession.

How Is OCD Treated?

At Fine Tune Psychiatry, we offer personalized, evidence-based OCD treatment through psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, therapy, and medication management. Care is available in-office or through secure virtual visits across multiple states.

Pharmacological treatment often involves:

• SSRIs: Such as fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil),
• SNRIs: Such as venlafaxine (Effexor) or duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• TCAs: Such as clomipramine (Anafranil), a tricyclic antidepressant known to be especially effective for OCD

These medications target serotonin regulation and are often prescribed at higher doses than for depression. Research from the International OCD Foundation suggests that around 70% of people see improvement with medication and/or Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.

Therapy for OCD

The gold standard for OCD treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). At Fine Tune Psychiatry, many of our therapists and prescribers are extensively trained in ERP.

ERP helps patients confront their fears without engaging in compulsions. Through gradual exposure to triggers and guidance in resisting compulsive behaviors, patients can reduce their sensitivity to anxiety and retrain their brain’s responses over time.

This type of therapy may be combined with medication or used alone, depending on the treatment plan created by your psychiatrist for OCD.

Why Choose Fine Tune Psychiatry for OCD Care?

Experienced team of Board-Certified Psychiatrists and Nurse Practitioners trained at institutions like Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

• Quick Access: Appointments often available within 1–2 weeks
• In-Person Options: Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Paoli, PA; Wilmington, DE; Collingswood, NJ
• Telehealth Options: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware 
• Individualized, Evidence-Based Treatment Plans: Whether you prefer therapy, medication, or both, we work with you to build a plan that fits your goals
• Specialized OCD Treatment Providers: Our team includes experienced psychiatrists for OCD

Ready to start treatment or learn more about OCD care? Contact us to schedule an evaluation with a qualified psychiatrist for OCD and take the first step toward recovery.