There is a fine, and often no-so-fine line between a legitimate desire to protect one's medical certification status, and a realistic need to protect one's health. OCD is portrayed in movies and on television as a comical condition, when in fact it often is not. It is common, affecting millions. It has no cure, but does have treatments. It is often a part of other issues, frequently depression, and bipolar disorder(s). OCD may be an obstacle, but also so may be associated issues; from your FAA medical perspective, both the bipolar, and depressive diagnoses may warrant a FAA response. Further, treatment for OCD may include medication, which may have an additional impact.

Using care with your FAA medical is always a wise consideration. Sources such as the AOPA professional pilot program, or the Aviation Medicine Advisory Service (AMAS) cannot diagnose you, and consequently can only provide general information in lieu of guidance, but they also cannot know of a potenital medical condition and advise you to steer clear of treatment to hide or conceal the condition, to protect the FAA medical certificate. If you have a legitimate condition, then it needs treatment, and that may, or may not impact your FAA medical status.

There are qualities in many of us, if not most of us, that at first blush might seem "OCD," as it's a popular buzzword and is a broad brush. Many of us are perfectionists to some degree, and a common expression is "I'm a little OCD," often inferring that one is detail oriented or obsessed with "getting it right." That can be a good trait in aviation: details matter, often in a big way. It can also be a big threat to safety, depending on whether it's actually being detail-oriented, or obsessive.

The FAA, as a rule, doesn't focus on medications taken, but on the condition that requires them; likewise, there may be multiple considerations with OCD and any diagnosis thereof, which determine how this impacts you as a patient, and as an airman. The fact that you think you might need treatment validates further investigation, for you own sake.

As a very general guideline, if you're aware of obsessive, or compulsive behaviors or urges, which many people have, ask yourself is once aware, you can control them. If thoughts or actions are affecting your quality of life, it's time to seek treatment. The complications can range from sleep issues to suicidal thoughts, or beyond, and can impact relationships with others as well as your own private life. They may be part of other complications, which definitely should be treated (and may impact FAA medical status, as well).

A safer approach before you go to your AME, is to start with an external source (which you've done, here), such as AOPA's services, or AMAS. If you find that your signs or symptoms are affecting the way you live, sleep, eat, and your relations with others in a negative way or that is decreasing your quality of life, and if you find that you are experiencing urges or compulsions that you cannot control, then you need to seek assistance, regardless of whether it affects your FAA medical status. Place yourself and your health first.