Feeling Trapped by OCD? Here’s What’s Really Happening

When people think of

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) they often picture excessive handwashing or perfectly organized planners. But those are just the visible symptoms.

Underneath is something far more internal—a brain stuck in overdrive, urgently seeking relief.

Understanding how OCD operates is vital for those who experience it and also for their friends and family. Let’s take a closer look at what happens.

OCD is a neurobiological condition driven by intrusive thoughts—often distressing, irrational, or even repulsive—and an overwhelming mental pressure to respond. The causes? A combination of genetics, temperament, trauma, life experiences, and learned patterns. Many people with OCD tend to be highly conscientious, empathic, and sensitive to discomfort. Add in chronic stress or something seemingly small—like a bug in your milkshake as a kid (ask me how I know)—and the brain can start to loop.

These loops often lead to compulsions—not because someone wants to, but because the brain feels like it must. Compulsions become a survival mechanism. OCD is driven by intrusive thoughts that trigger your internal warning system, signaling a feared outcome—something you believe might happen without certain actions. This perceived fear creates intense mental pressure to perform specific behaviors, even without real danger, causing the brain to get stuck in a loop of anxiety and compulsions. Studies suggest this cycle may also be linked to the brain’s reward system. Performing a compulsion can bring brief relief, possibly through a dopamine release, which makes the behavior more likely to be repeated.

As a therapist specializing in OCD treatment across California, I use evidence-based approaches like ERP, ACT, and trauma-informed care to help people break free from this cycle. If you’re feeling trapped by obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, you’re not alone—and support is within reach. We offer a range of evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches such as ERP and EMDR to support clients seeking relief from OCD. Our collaborative approach focuses on helping break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions, addressing the underlying triggers to promote lasting relief.