Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Call 911 , the national suicide hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), or other emergency services right away if:

• You or someone you know is thinking seriously of committing suicide or has recently tried to commit suicide. Serious signs include these thoughts:
  • You have decided on how to kill yourself, such as with a weapon or medicines.
  • You have set a time and place to do it.
  • You think there is no other way to solve the problem or end the pain.
• You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.

Call a doctor right away if:

• You hear voices.
• You have been thinking about death or suicide a lot, but you do not have a plan to commit suicide.
• You are worried that your feelings of depression or thoughts of suicide are not going away.

Seek care soon if:

• You have symptoms of depression, such as:
  • Feeling sad or hopeless.
  • Not enjoying anything.
  • Having trouble with sleep.
  • Feeling guilty.
  • Feeling anxious or worried.
• You have been treated for depression for more than 3 weeks, but you are not getting better.

Who to see

Although there are many health professionals who can treat or monitor obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you may want to partner with a health professional who has had specific training in OCD management. Health professionals who can diagnose, treat, or monitor the progress of OCD include:

• Reference Psychiatrists Opens New Window.
• Reference Family medicine doctors Opens New Window.
• Reference Internists Opens New Window.
• Reference Psychiatric nurse practitioners Opens New Window.

Other health professionals who can provide ongoing counseling and support for OCD but cannot prescribe medicines include:

• Reference Psychologists Opens New Window.
• Reference Licensed mental health counselors Opens New Window.
• Reference Social workers Opens New Window.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

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