OCD Treatment

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is often trivialised as being "a bit particular" or "so OCD" about tidiness. In reality it can be an exhausting, distressing condition in which unwanted thoughts drive time-consuming rituals that take over daily life. It is also very treatable with the right approach. Dr. Anindo Mitra (MBBS, MD Psychiatry, JIPMER) treats OCD using evidence-based methods, in-person in Gurugram and online across India.

Who this is for

This page is for you if you experience intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that cause anxiety, and feel driven to perform repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) to relieve that anxiety — for example around contamination, harm, symmetry, checking, or distressing taboo thoughts.

Understanding OCD

OCD works as a cycle: an intrusive thought triggers intense anxiety, a compulsion temporarily relieves it, and this relief reinforces the cycle so it repeats and grows. The content of obsessions can be very distressing and is often the opposite of a person's true character — which is precisely why it causes such distress. Understanding this cycle is central to treatment.

Treatment options

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP is the gold-standard psychological treatment for OCD — gradually facing feared thoughts or situations while resisting the compulsion, so the anxiety naturally subsides and the cycle weakens. Dr. Mitra coordinates ERP with experienced clinical psychologists.
  • Medication. Antidepressants (SSRIs), often at higher doses and for longer than in depression, are effective for OCD and are frequently combined with ERP. Their use, expected timeline, and eventual review are explained clearly.
  • Combined care. For moderate-to-severe OCD, combining ERP with medication often works best.

What to expect

OCD treatment takes commitment, but most people achieve substantial improvement. ERP can feel challenging at first because it involves facing anxiety rather than avoiding it, but it is highly effective and the gains are lasting. Medication, where used, supports this work.

Related presentations

OCD overlaps with anxiety disorders, and it has specific forms during pregnancy and the postpartum period — see Perinatal Anxiety and perinatal OCD, which are assessed with particular care.

In-person in Gurugram and online across India

Available in-person at Athena Behavioural Health, Sector 47, Gurugram, and online across India via Zoom or Google Meet, in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil.

Safety and urgent help

Distressing intrusive thoughts are a symptom of OCD, not a sign you will act on them — but if you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, seek help via emergency services, your nearest hospital, or Tele-MANAS on 14416. This page is educational and does not replace an individual consultation.

Book a consultation

See fees · anxiety disorder treatment

Frequently asked questions

What is the most effective treatment for OCD? Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is the gold standard, often combined with an SSRI antidepressant for moderate-to-severe OCD. This combination has strong evidence.

Are my intrusive thoughts a sign I'm dangerous? No. Distressing intrusive thoughts are a core symptom of OCD and are typically the opposite of what the person values or would ever do — which is exactly why they cause such distress. They are not intentions.

Do OCD medications differ from depression medications? The same class (SSRIs) is used, but OCD often needs higher doses and a longer time to respond. This is explained so you know what to expect.

Can OCD be cured? Many people achieve major, lasting improvement and get their lives back, even if occasional intrusive thoughts remain. The aim is for OCD to stop controlling your life.

Can OCD treatment be done online? Yes. Assessment, medication management, and coordination of ERP therapy can all be provided online across India.