The Science & Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | Huberman Lab Podcast #78

In this episode, I explain the biology and psychology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—a prevalent and debilitating condition. I also discuss the efficacy and mechanisms behind OCD treatments—both behavioral and pharmacologic as well as holistic and combination treatments and new emerging treatments, including directed brain stimulation. I explain the neural circuitry underlying repetitive “thought-action loops” and why in OCD, the compulsive actions merely make the obsessions even stronger. I review cognitive-behavioral therapies like exposure therapy and SSRIs, holistic approaches, and nutraceuticals, detailing the efficacy of each approach and what science says about how to combine and sequence treatments. I describe an often effective approach for treating OCD where clinicians use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to deliberately bring patients into states of high anxiety while encouraging them to suppress compulsive actions in order to help them learn to overcome repetitious thought/action cycles. This episode should interest anyone with OCD, anyone who knows someone with OCD or OCPD, and more generally, those interested in how the brain works to control thoughts and actions, whether those thoughts are intrusive or not. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): Thesis: Eight Sleep: Supplements from Momentous Social & Website Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - TikTok - @hubermanlab Website - Newsletter - Subscribe to the Huberman Lab Podcast Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Google Podcasts: Other platforms: Full show notes & links to peer-reviewed articles: Timestamps 00:00:00 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 00:03:01 Momentous Supplements, AG1 (Athletic Greens), Thesis, Eight Sleep 00:08:28 What is OCD and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder? 00:11:18 OCD: Major Incidence & Severity 00:15:10 Categories of OCD 00:21:33 Anxiety: Linking Obsessions & Compulsions 00:27:33 OCD & Familial Heredity 00:29:10 Biological Mechanisms of OCD, Cortico-Striatal-Thalamic Loops 00:39:36 Cortico-Striatal-Thalamic Loop & OCD 00:46:39 Clinical OCD Diagnosis, Y-BOCS Index 00:51:38 OCD & Fear, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Exposure Therapy 01:01:56 Unique Characteristics of CBT/Exposure Therapy in OCD Treatment 01:10:18 CBT/Exposure Therapy & Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) 01:22:30 Considerations with SSRIs & Prescription Drug Treatments 01:25:17 Serotonin & Cognitive Flexibility, Psilocybin Studies 01:31:50 Neuroleptics & Neuromodulators 01:36:09 OCD & Cannabis, THC & CBD 01:39:29 Ketamine Treatment 01:41:43 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) 01:46:22 Cannabis CBD & Focus 01:47:50 Thoughts Are Not Actions 01:51:27 Hormones, Cortisol, DHEA, Testosterone & GABA 02:00:55 Holistic Treatments: Mindfulness Meditation & OCD 02:03:28 Nutraceuticals & Supplements: Myo-Inositol, Glycine 02:09:45 OCD vs. Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder 02:20:53 Superstitions, Compulsions & Obsessions 02:31:00 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous Supplements, Instagram, Twitter, Neural Network Newsletter The Huberman Lab Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions. Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac -