Management of obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults
BMJ February 16, 2026 Jonathan S Abramowitz, Amitai Abramovitch, Dean Mckay et al. 1 citation
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition marked by intrusive thoughts and rituals. While exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the first-line treatment, many patients do not fully recover, prompting a need for innovation. This review synthesizes evidence-based treatments for OCD in adults, covering established psychological and pharmacological therapies and recent findings on treatment outcomes. It examines emerging approaches, including inhibitory-learning-informed ERP, acceptance and commitment therapy, inference-based therapy, telehealth delivery, and biological treatments such as psilocybin, ketamine, and neuromodulation. Cultural and identity-related considerations are discussed, emphasizing tailored interventions for diverse populations.