Q. How to deal with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Hi doctor,

I have been suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for years. I just turned 18 years old. I would say my height is around 1.73 meters, and I weigh around 65 kilograms (but currently trying hard to lose weight).

I cannot stop washing my hands. For example, when I start washing my hands, I have to wash them around 5 to 6 times in a row. Also, I cannot touch anything without washing my hands or wiping them with wet (disinfectant) wipes. So I always use toilet paper or tissues or tell my parents to open drawers, turn off the lights or open doors or do something else so I do not waste any wipes or tissues. I cannot go outside without a bag of wet disinfectant wipes.

The moment when I come home, I wash my hands a couple of times. But then I have to clean my phone with those wet disinfectant wipes. In addition to that, I cannot sit down where other people sit. For example, on sofas at hotels or even at home, I can only sit on one chair, which is mine and where only I sit. I often make humming or lightly coughing sounds, which I repeat multiple times. This happens throughout the day, around three or four times (maybe more subconsciously).

Also, I often eat the skin around my nails (I do not bite my nails), my inner cheeks, and the skin on my tongue. This sometimes leads to small wounds. Also, eating hurts a lot because the skin in my mouth is damaged.

Moreover, before going to bed, I have to check every wall in my room, the whole floor, and under my bed multiple times to ensure any bugs.

Well, I hope you can help me and recommend medication I could use so that I can live my life easier. I do not use any medication yet, and I just sometimes take Vitamins.

Thank you in advance.