Understanding OCD: When Thoughts Won’t Let Go

We all experience intrusive thoughts or moments of doubt—Did I lock the door? Did I say something wrong? But for people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), those thoughts don’t just pass through. They stick, loop, and demand action. At Sea to Summit Psychiatry, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care for OCD that goes beyond symptom control—helping you reclaim your time, energy, and peace of mind.

What Is OCD?

OCD is a neurodivergent condition marked by two core components:

  • Obsessions: intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress

  • Compulsions: repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed to neutralize the obsession or prevent a feared outcome

It’s important to note that OCD is neurodivergent, not a quirk or personality trait. It’s also considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), especially when it significantly interferes with daily functioning.

OCD Subtypes: More Than Cleanliness

Some have described a number of OCD subtypes. These are not necessarily indicative of a different biological type, and a person may experience more than one over time. Some common and lesser-known forms include:

  • Contamination OCD – Fear of germs or illness, excessive washing or avoidance

  • Checking OCD – Repetitive checking of locks, appliances, or bodily sensations

  • Moral OCD (or scrupulosity) – Distressing obsessions about morality, ethics, or being a “bad person”

  • Existential OCD – Intrusive questions about the meaning of life, death, or reality

  • False Memory OCD – Doubts about things you did or didn’t do, often accompanied by guilt or shame

  • Real Event OCD – Rumination over actual past events, often blown out of proportion

  • Sensorimotor OCD – Hyper-awareness of bodily functions (e.g., blinking, swallowing)

  • Somatic OCD – Obsessions about physical sensations or health

  • Just Right OCD – Compulsions performed until something feels "just right" or complete

  • Rumination OCD – Endless mental reviewing of thoughts, feelings, or past events

Many people experience crossover between OCD and ADHD, or wonder about OCD vs autism. At Sea to Summit Psychiatry, we recognize these overlaps and provide nuanced evaluations and care for people who are navigating both.

OCD vs. ADHD, Anxiety, and Autism

Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. Some people spend years wondering: “Do I have OCD or ADHD? Could it be OCD or autism?” While these conditions can co-occur or share traits, they require different strategies.

  • OCD and ADHD: ADHD is more about distractibility and executive dysfunction; OCD involves intrusive thoughts and compulsions that hijack attention.

  • OCD and autism: Both can include repetitive behaviors and sensory sensitivities, but the function behind them is different.

  • OCD vs anxiety: Generalized anxiety is more about persistent worry; OCD is about intrusive thoughts that trigger compulsive responses.

The Impact of OCD in Daily Life

Living with OCD often involves intense mental exhaustion. You might feel:

  • Stuck in cycles of rumination

  • Trapped in rituals or “mental reviewing”

  • Crippled by guilt over intrusive thoughts

  • Isolated because your mind won’t “let go”

  • Frustrated by “just right” OCD that makes simple tasks take hours

Some people even avoid relationships, jobs, or parenting out of fear they’ll act on a thought—which they won’t. Intrusive thoughts are not intentions.

OCD Therapy and Treatment at Sea to Summit Psychiatry

Whether you're just beginning your journey or have tried multiple providers, our approach is personalized and whole-person focused.

1. OCD Therapy

At Sea to Summit Psychiatry, we offer direct, evidence-based therapy for OCD, including:

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) – the gold-standard treatment for OCD, helping you face fears without falling into compulsions.

  • Rumination-Focused ERP – targeted support for people stuck in mental loops, guilt spirals, or "overthinking" OCD subtypes.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed therapy – especially helpful when shame, trauma, or inner conflict fuels OCD symptoms.

  • Somatic techniques – to support nervous system regulation and body awareness during exposure work.

In addition to providing therapy ourselves, we can also connect you with trusted OCD therapists near you if you'd benefit from additional support alongside your care here.

2. Medication Options

We carefully consider both standard and off-label medications, including:

  • SSRIs and clomipramine, often first-line treatments

  • Ketamine for OCD – an emerging option for treatment-resistant cases, which we offer with supportive integration

  • Adjuncts like antipsychotics, or off-label options when traditional meds don’t help

Curious about alternatives? Some people explore essential oils and OCD as complementary tools—not cures, but sometimes helpful for grounding or calming.

You’re Not Broken—You're Wired Differently

Whether you’re struggling with moral OCD, real event OCD, or wondering, “Why can’t I stop thinking about this?”, you’re not alone.

OCD isn’t about control—it’s about fear. And healing is possible.

At Sea to Summit Psychiatry, we help you learn how to live alongside uncertainty without being ruled by it. You’ll be supported by professionals who understand OCD and ADHD, OCD and autism, and the unique intersection of neurodivergent experiences.

Ready to Find Relief?

Whether you're searching for:

  • An OCD therapist

  • Help with ketamine for OCD

  • Clarity about OCD subtypes

  • Or just someone who gets it…

We’re here for you—with expertise, empathy, and tools that work.

→ Book a free consultation today.