Get to know OCD

OCD does NOT affect men and women the same way. In fact, research tells us there are many differences in how the disorder affects each gender. In this video, Dr. Patrick McGrath explains what those differences are — from boys often developing OCD earlier than girls, to how hormonal changes, pregnancy, or life stressors can trigger symptoms in women. He also discusses how gender roles and identity may shape the way OCD shows up, and why understanding these differences matters for treatment.Here at NOCD, we specialize in ERP therapy, the most effective therapy for OCD. To explore treatment options, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When your child has OCD, it’s natural to want to help — but some of the most common parenting instincts can accidentally make things worse. OCD and anxiety therapist Natasha Daniels knows this firsthand, both as a clinician and as a mom with children suffering with the disorder. In this episode, she shares what OCD looks like in kids, how parents can get stuck in the cycle of accommodation, and what it really takes to support a child WITHOUT feeding their compulsions.At NOCD, we specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — the gold-standard treatment for OCD. If you want to explore your treatment options for yourself or your child, book a free 15-minute session with us at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people don’t think twice about breathing, blinking, or swallowing food — your body just does it automatically. But for some, OCD turns those simple functions into constant obsessions. This is called sensorimotor OCD, a subtype where your mind gets stuck on bodily sensations like swallowing, breathing, or even heartbeats. Instead of passing thoughts, these sensations become overwhelming, leading to worry, compulsions, and endless self-monitoring. In this episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath explains why OCD latches onto the body’s autopilot functions, how the cycle of anxiety and compulsions keeps it going, and what it takes to break free.At NOCD, we use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — the gold-standard therapy for OCD, including sensorimotor OCD. If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deep brain stimulation is one of the most advanced treatments for severe OCD. It involves implanting tiny electrodes into specific brain circuits and delivering continuous, low-level electrical pulses that interrupt faulty signals driving obsessions and compulsions. This therapy isn’t a first-line option — it’s reserved for people who haven’t responded to other treatments — but for some, it can dramatically reduce symptoms. Sound like a sci-fi movie? In this episode, Dr. Rachel Davis explains how the groundbreaking therapy works, plus shares her own lived experience with OCD.At NOCD, we specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — the gold-standard treatment for OCD. Unlike deep brain stimulation, ERP isn’t a last resort. It’s a proven first step that helps most people regain control of their lives. If you want to explore your treatment options, book a free 15-minute session with us at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OCD loves to make promises it can’t keep. It tells you that if you just pray one more time, wash one more time, or check one more time, you’ll finally feel certain — but that moment never comes. In this video, Patrick breaks down how OCD feeds on the lie of “enough,” why compulsions never truly satisfy, and what it takes to step out of the cycle and stop chasing the impossible standard your brain sets.Here at NOCD, we specialize in ERP therapy, the most effective therapy for OCD. To explore treatment options, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Twohig has spent years studying what happens when people try to fight their thoughts — and why that battle almost always makes things worse. As a psychologist, researcher, and leading expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), he’s worked with countless people who felt trapped by their own minds, stuck in loops of overthinking, doubt, and mental exhaustion. In this conversation, he shares how ACT can completely change that dynamic, turning thoughts from something you fear into something you can live with.Instead of focusing on erasing or “fixing” thoughts, ACT teaches you to see them for what they are and move forward anyway. Michael draws from powerful real-world examples to show how people have gone from feeling powerless against their minds to living fuller, more meaningful lives — without waiting for the perfect thought or feeling to show up first. It’s a practical, compassionate way to stop letting your mind run the show.Although not a standalone treatment for OCD, ACT can be helpful in conjunction with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.Here at NOCD, we specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy, the most effective therapy for OCD. To explore treatment options, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Renee Zukin spent much of her life trying to silence fear — avoiding risk, obsessing over safety, and doing everything possible to feel in control. It worked just well enough to keep going, but never well enough to feel free. In this interview, she opens up about how fear shaped where she lived, how she ate, how she parented, and how long it kept her from getting the right help.What changed wasn’t the fear disappearing — it was her relationship to it. Renee talks about learning to stop chasing certainty, letting go of safety behaviors, and finding the courage to move forward even when fear was still in the room.Renee got better using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy — the gold standard treatment for OCD. Here at NOCD, we specialize in ERP. To explore your treatment options, considering book a free 15-minute call with us at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocdRenee's book: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Day-Brave-Cultivating-Resilience/dp/1963827252 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is OCD seasonal? Not exactly — but it can FEEL that way. In this episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath explains how OCD often ramps up during high-stress times like the holidays, not because of the calendar, but because stress weakens your ability to resist compulsions. Watch as Patrick debunks this common OCD myth!Here at NOCD, we specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy, the most effective therapy for OCD. To explore treatment options, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most therapists don’t get formal training in how to treat OCD. In fact, many graduate programs barely mention it at all. That leads to years of misdiagnosis, missed symptoms, and patients getting the wrong kind of help. The result? People with OCD are left suffering longer than they should — even in the care of well-meaning professionals.That’s why Elizabeth DuPont Spencer and Kimberly Morrow decided to do something about it. After decades of clinical experience, they launched a global training program to help therapists actually understand OCD — and how to treat it with evidence-based care like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). In this conversation, they share the turning points in their own careers, why ERP is so misunderstood, and what it’s like watching clinicians finally connect the dots — and help their clients get better.If you're suffering with OCD, we think our best-in-care treatment might be able to help. To book a free 15-minute consultation, visit https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One year ago, the Get to know OCD podcast launched with a simple goal: share real stories from people living with OCD. What happened next was bigger than anyone expected. Each week, guests opened up about their darkest moments, their breakthroughs, and the messy middle in between.In this special anniversary episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath reflects on the moments that stayed with us, the common threads across so many different stories, and what this first year has taught us about healing, community, and the power of feeling seen.Here at NOCD, we specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy, the most effective therapy for OCD. To explore treatment options, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.