When most people think of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), they picture excessive cleaning or handwashing. But OCD is far more complex than common stereotypes suggest. In this episode of Rise Above, a Podcast from Rogers Behavioral Health, host Andy Meddaugh sits down with Dr. Andrea Hartman, Regional Clinical Director at Rogers Behavioral Health, to explore the many different ways OCD can present itself.
Dr. Hartman explains common OCD themes and subtypes, including contamination OCD, harm OCD, moral and religious scrupulosity, perfectionism, checking behaviors, intrusive thoughts, and reassurance-seeking. She also discusses how OCD symptoms can change over time, why many people experience shame or confusion about their symptoms, and how OCD can affect relationships, work, school, and daily life.
Most importantly, she shares why Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD, can help people face their fears, reduce compulsions, and reclaim the lives they want to live. Whether you’re living with OCD, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to better understand this often misunderstood mental health condition, this episode offers practical insights and hope for recovery.
