OCD Treatments: Cannabis Falls Short, TMS Disrupts Compulsions
Huberman Lab unpacks alternative OCD therapies: why cannabis underperforms placebo, how TMS can interrupt compulsive behaviors, and the nuanced role of mindfulness.
The Science & Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | Huberman Lab Essentials
With Andrew Huberman · Sunday, July 12, 2026
Andrew Huberman discusses the intricate nature of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), detailing its symptoms, prevalence, and underlying neural circuitry. He explores various treatment modalities, including the highly effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and ritual prevention (ERP), comparing their efficacy with that of SSRIs and other alternative therapies. The episode provides insights into diagnosis, the mechanisms of OCD, and actionable information for those seeking or applying treatments.
Key takeaways
- Forget self-medicating with weed for acute anxiety or OCD: a study from Dr. Blair Simpson found that smoked cannabis (THC or CBD) offered less immediate relief from OCD symptoms and anxiety than a placebo. Read more →
- CBT Alone Dramatically Beats Drugs: For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alone showed a dramatically superior effect in reducing symptoms compared to SSRIs. Read more →
- Andrew Huberman introduces the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), the gold standard diagnostic tool clinicians use to assess Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Read more →
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) isn't rare; Andrew Huberman states it affects a surprising 2.5% to 4% of people, making it a widespread, often hidden, struggle. Read more →
5 articles from this episode
OCD Treatment: CBT Beats SSRIs, Even Combined
Huberman Lab reveals cognitive behavioral therapy dramatically outperforms SSRIs for OCD, even when combined, challenging common treatment assumptions.
Your Brain's Stuck Loop: How OCD Reveals Unproductive Habits
Huberman reveals the corticostriothalamic loop underlying OCD. Learn how this brain circuit can illuminate stubborn patterns in your startup, and how to break them.
Huberman's Y-BOCS: Pinpoint Your Catastrophic Business Fears
Andrew Huberman reveals the Y-BOCS, a diagnostic tool for OCD. Learn how precisely identifying your biggest, most catastrophic fears can break self-defeating loops.
Huberman: Your Obsessive 'Fixes' Make Anxiety Stronger
Andrew Huberman reveals how behaviors designed to relieve anxiety actually strengthen it. Founders: identify your work 'compulsions' and break the cycle.
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