Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment
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Treating OCD doesn’t completely eliminate the disorder, but it can significantly reduce the symptoms to help you feel better.
Generally, the level of treatment you need depends on how severe your OCD is. Some people may require long-term or more intensive therapy to manage their symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
People often ask, “What is the best treatment for OCD?” Doctors believe that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for OCD. A key part of CBT is Exposure and Response (ERP) prevention. Research suggests that 75% of people with OCD showed significant improvement after this type of treatment.
ERP typically involves gradually exposing yourself to situations that trigger obsessive thoughts. For instance, you might be required to enter a crowded space and learn to resist the compulsive behaviors that follow. The type of fear, of course, varies per person.
Although CBT requires effort and practice, it can significantly improve your quality of life.
Habit Reversal Training
Habit Reversal Training (HBT) is often used by therapists for people of all ages who have OCD. It’s especially helpful for those with repetitive behaviors that they want to stop, like nail-biting or skin-picking.
In fact, those who underwent this treatment reported a 32-48% reduction in their symptom severity, according to a study.
HRT uses awareness training, relaxation techniques, and positive reinforcement to reduce the symptoms.
Awareness training involves practicing the habit and paying close attention to how your body reacts and which muscles are involved. You also notice when these behaviors happen. This helps you become more aware of your urges.
As a result, it gets easier to interrupt them and redirect your focus.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
FDA has approved this treatment for adults over 18 who have severe OCD and haven’t responded well to other treatments.
Deep Brain Stimulation involves surgically placing electrodes in specific parts of your brain. These electrodes emit electrical pulses, which potentially regulate unusual impulses. The treatment has proven to be effective for 60% of OCD patients.
However, it is worth noting that DBS is seldom used as a treatment option and, hence, isn’t easily accessible.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is another FDA-approved treatment for adults when other treatments haven’t worked. According to the International OCD Foundation, 45% of OCD patients who underwent TMS showed a reduction in their symptoms.
It uses magnetic fields to stimulate your brain’s nerve cells, which can improve OCD symptoms. During the session, a health practitioner places a coil on your scalp (close to your forehead). This coil sends magnetic pulses to activate your brain’s nerve cells.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Medication
Some psychiatric medications can help manage the symptoms of OCD. In fact, studies show that 7 out of 10 people benefit from medication. Typically, doctors start with antidepressants as the first line of treatment.
FDA has approved the following medications for treating OCD.
- Paroxetine (Paxil) for adults
- Fluoxetine (Prozac) for adults and kids aged 7 years and older
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox) suitable for adults and children aged 8 years and older
- Clomipramine (Anafranil) for adults and children aged 10 years and older
- Sertraline (Zoloft) for adults and children aged 6 years and up
Things to Consider
If your doctor prescribes you obsessive compulsive disorder medication, make sure you consider several factors.
- Side effects. All medications have side effects, and psychiatric medications are no different. It is, therefore, crucial to discuss the potential side effects with your doctor. This will help you take the necessary steps to keep your health in check. If you experience negative side effects, do not hesitate to inform your doctor promptly.
- Medication selection. The aim is to effectively manage OCD symptoms with the lowest dose possible. Therefore, trying multiple medications before finding the most suitable option isn’t uncommon. In fact, your doctor may recommend numerous medications to curb your symptoms. Besides, it may take a week to a few months to show significant improvement in your symptoms.
- Suicide risk. Although most antidepressants are safe, they carry black box warnings from the FDA. Young adults and children may experience suicidal thoughts in some cases, especially at the beginning of treatment. Make sure you contact your doctor immediately if you have such thoughts.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Prevention
Preventing obsessive compulsive disorder entirely isn’t possible. However, getting early help can make a difference.
When you quickly address your symptoms, it can keep OCD from getting worse and disrupt your daily life. This requires you to recognize the early signs, talk to a therapist, and find management strategies to support your mental health (more on this below).
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Management Strategies
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Managing OCD symptoms requires some lifestyle changes and identification of your obsessions and compulsions. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
- Make sure you’re prepared for unexpected obsessive thoughts at any time, anywhere. You can always turn to therapy tools and keep your therapist informed about new thoughts.
- Avoid seeking reassurance from others or yourself. It undermines the therapy’s progress. In fact, treat reassurance-seeking as a compulsion.
- Accept that risk is a part of life and not recovering from OCD is the biggest risk.
- Avoid all-or-nothing thinking. Setbacks are part of the learning process. Remember, “A lapse is not a relapse,” and every day offers a chance to start fresh.
- Don’t waste time suppressing your thoughts. This can often lead to overthinking. Instead, aim to manage them effectively by accepting their presence.
- Be patient with your progress, and avoid comparing yourself to others. Focus on completing your daily therapy tasks at your own pace.
- Take responsibility for managing your symptoms independently. Avoid relying on others to motivate you during therapy.
- Choose to confront the more challenging option when given a choice. Facing difficulties head-on promotes resilience.
- Make meditation or any other relaxation technique a part of your routine. Spending time in nature also helps a great deal.
Conclusion
Managing OCD takes perseverance and patience. It requires you to use tools from therapy and adopt healthy habits to deal with unexpected obsessions and compulsions.
Each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to gradual progress. Make sure you become aware of your unique symptoms and seek support from others.
In fact, with determination and the right guidance, managing OCD becomes a path towards personal growth.
FAQs
Q1. How to Manage OCD Without Medication?
Managing OCD without medication involves a combination of behavioral strategies, therapy, and lifestyle changes. For further information, check out this guide.
Q2. Can OCD Be Treated On Its Own?
OCD typically does not resolve on its own and often requires treatment to manage effectively. While some symptoms may become less severe, individuals usually require professional help to show significant improvement.
Q3. Is OCD 100% Curable?
OCD is generally not considered 100% curable, but it is highly treatable. With proper treatment, many people can achieve relief from their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
Q4. What Is the First Line Treatment for OCD?
The first line of treatment for OCD typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), especially a type called exposure and response prevention (ERP).
