In this episode of Insights From the Couch, we’re diving deep into what Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) really is—and what it’s not. Forget the casual "I'm so OCD" comment—this conversation is all about the real, often misunderstood experiences of those living with this challenging and complex disorder. We're joined by two of our favorite experts: Dr. Brady Bradshaw, a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, and Dr. Robyn Cohen, a developmental neuropsychologist. Together, we explore the many faces of OCD, from harm OCD to contamination fears, and mental compulsions that happen entirely inside someone’s mind.

We’re also pulling back the curtain on the often-overlooked aspects of OCD like the shame, stigma, and difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Whether you’re someone navigating OCD, a therapist wanting to learn more, or a loved one trying to understand what’s going on—this episode offers education, empathy, and evidence-based strategies for healing. Plus, we talk treatment, including exposure and response prevention (ERP), medication, and what real recovery can look like.

Episode Highlights:

[0:26] - Welcome and overview of today’s topic: the real story behind OCD
[1:31] - Meet Dr. Bradshaw and Dr. Cohen: their roles and experiences with OCD
[3:02] - What OCD actually is vs. common misconceptions
[6:10] - Breaking down the subtypes: harm, contamination, symmetry, hoarding, and more
[8:10] - Mental compulsions explained with powerful real-life examples
[11:01] - Is OCD just intense anxiety? Exploring how it's neurologically distinct
[13:20] - The overlap of OCD with ADHD, autism, trichotillomania, and body-focused repetitive behaviors
[17:42] - The diagnostic challenge: why OCD is often missed or misdiagnosed
[21:43] - What’s going on in the brain during OCD—and how treatment changes the brain
[23:44] - Living with OCD: analogies, partner dynamics, and the emotional toll
[25:27] - The gold standard: treatment options like ERP and when meds are needed
[28:19] - The importance of working with experienced ERP-trained therapists
[32:53] - Pushing the limits with exposure—and why it works
[37:50] - Naming the OCD: why it helps and how it shifts control
[39:13] - The importance of trust and creativity in therapeutic interventions
[40:07] - Relationship OCD and health anxiety—subtypes or something else?
[43:03] - How to support a loved one with OCD (without enabling compulsions)
[46:35] - Final takeaways: treatment works, and there’s real freedom on the other side
[47:36] - Where to find Dr. Bradshaw and Dr. Cohen

Links and Resources:

· Dr. Brady Bradshaw: https://www.bradybradshawmd.com/

· Dr. Robyn Cohen: https://theneurocode.com/

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