OCD

OCD services offered in Columbia, MD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects millions of people each year, often causing overwhelming cycles of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. While OCD can feel isolating, it is highly treatable with the right support. At Bluegrass Mental Health in Columbia, Maryland, the compassionate team provides personalized, evidence-based care to help you regain control over your thoughts, routines, and daily life. Whether you’ve recently noticed symptoms or have been managing OCD for years, you deserve relief. Call the office or book your appointment online today.

OCD Q & A

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

OCD is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental actions (compulsions) performed to ease distress. These thoughts and behaviors are not simply habits — they can feel urgent, persistent, and difficult to manage, often interfering with work, relationships, and everyday activities.

Common obsessions may include worries about contamination, harm, or making mistakes, while compulsions may involve cleaning, checking, counting, repeating phrases, or seeking reassurance. Even when someone with OCD recognizes that these thoughts or actions don’t make sense, the urge to perform them can feel overwhelming.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

OCD symptoms generally fall into two categories — obsessions and compulsions:

Obsessions may include:

Fear of germs or contamination

Intense worry about harm happening to yourself or others

Intrusive images or disturbing thoughts

A strong need for things to be symmetrical, exact, or “just right”

Compulsions may include:

Excessive cleaning or handwashing

Repeated checking (like locks, appliances, or tasks)

Counting, tapping, or repeating words or phrases

Arranging objects repeatedly to achieve a certain order

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may become worse during periods of stress.

What causes OCD?

OCD may develop due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Brain areas responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation may function differently in individuals with OCD. It can also run in families, though not everyone with a family history will develop the condition.

Stressful life events, chronic anxiety, or disruptions in serotonin (a brain chemical involved in mood regulation) can also play a role.

How is OCD treated?

At Bluegrass Mental Health, treatment plans are tailored to each individual and may include:

Medication: Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help reduce intrusive thoughts and compulsive urges.

Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is widely considered the gold standard treatment for OCD. Therapy helps you face your fears gradually and learn healthier ways to respond without engaging in compulsive behaviors.

With support, many people with OCD experience significant relief and reclaim control over their daily lives. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to begin treatment.