Dr. Surabhi Mathur treats OCD in adults, teenagers and children at her clinic in Nirman Nagar, Jaipur, combining exposure-based therapy with medication when needed.
Understanding OCD
OCD has two parts. Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, images or urges that cause anxiety, such as fears of contamination, harm, or things not being 'just right'. Compulsions are the actions or mental rituals done to reduce that anxiety, such as washing, checking, counting or seeking reassurance.
Compulsions bring short-term relief but strengthen the cycle over time. Most people with OCD know their fears are excessive, which makes the condition especially frustrating and often a source of hidden shame.
Common signs and symptoms
- Repeated, unwanted thoughts about germs, harm, religion or sex
- Excessive hand-washing, cleaning or bathing
- Checking locks, gas, switches or messages again and again
- Arranging things until they feel 'just right'
- Counting, repeating words or mental rituals
- Asking for reassurance repeatedly
- Avoiding places or objects that trigger the thoughts
- Spending more than an hour a day on thoughts or rituals
Causes and risk factors
- Differences in brain circuits that regulate habits and doubt
- Family history of OCD or tic disorders
- Stressful life events that trigger or worsen symptoms
- In some children, onset after a streptococcal infection (rare)
When should you see a psychiatrist?
Consider booking an appointment if these difficulties have lasted more than two weeks, keep coming back, or are affecting your work, studies, relationships or daily routine. You do not need to wait until things feel unbearable; early treatment is usually shorter and more effective.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, go to the nearest emergency department or call Tele-MANAS, the Government of India’s free 24×7 mental health helpline, on 14416.
How Dr. Surabhi Mathur makes a diagnosis
Your first consultation is an unhurried conversation about your symptoms, how long they have been present, your medical and family history, sleep, stress and any substance use. Where needed, Dr. Mathur uses standard rating scales and may suggest blood tests to rule out physical causes such as thyroid or vitamin problems. You leave with a clear explanation of what is happening and a treatment plan you have agreed to.
What to expect at your first visitTreatment options
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
A specialised form of CBT in which you gradually face triggers without performing the compulsion, so the anxiety settles on its own. It is the most effective psychotherapy for OCD.
Medication
SSRIs, often at higher doses than for depression, reduce obsessions and compulsions. They take eight to twelve weeks to show their full effect.
Family guidance
Families often get pulled into rituals and reassurance. Learning how to respond helpfully makes a large difference, especially for children and teens.
Long-term relapse prevention
Continued practice of ERP skills and a planned medication review protect your progress.
How long does treatment take?
OCD improves gradually. Many people see a meaningful reduction in symptoms within three months of combined treatment, and continue to improve as they practise ERP. Medication is usually continued for at least a year after improvement.
Why choose Dr. Surabhi Mathur in Jaipur?
- MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), Consultant Psychiatrist at Narayana Hospital
- Trained in psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Plans that combine therapy, medication and lifestyle care
- Strictly confidential, non-judgmental consultations
- Clinic in Nirman Nagar, open seven days a week
- Hospital care at Narayana Hospital when it is needed