Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental illness characterized by unwanted, repetitive thoughts or sensations which cause anxiety and distress (obsessions). Compulsions consist of repeating time-consuming behavior called rituals.
Treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder can be treated using both talking therapy and medication; specifically SSRIs should be considered first-line pharmacotherapy for OCD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on how your thoughts and emotions impact your actions, as well as helping you identify negative or unhelpful patterns of thinking or behaving which could contribute to anxiety or mental health problems.
CBT is often recommended as the go-to therapy option for people living with OCD, as it involves gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli while simultaneously re-examining beliefs that fuel your OCD rituals. The goal is to break free of your obsessions and compulsions by showing that they're false or unnecessary, or by changing how we interpret your intrusive thoughts.
CBT differs from traditional psychotherapies by being focused on the present moment and can be delivered one-on-one or in groups. CBT employs systematic desensitization techniques as well as exposure and response prevention (ERP), which involves repeatedly exposing yourself to fear-inducing objects or situations until your anxiety dissipates and you no longer feel compelled to perform compulsions.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a popular approach for anxiety disorders, includes various components aimed at OCD treatment - one such is exposure and response prevention (ERP). While CBT covers an array of therapies and methods used for OCD management, ERP specifically targets OCD symptoms.
ERP involves confronting situations which trigger obsessive thoughts while abstaining from engaging in ritualistic behavior, gradually teaching one to understand that any negative reactions related to forgoing ritualistic compulsions do not happen as predicted. Over time, people come to see that any consequences they expect when forgoing their rituals don't materialize as predicted.
Imagine Joe is afraid of hurting his daughter with a knife while cooking, ERP can help. Working with his therapist, Joe would create an "exposure hierarchy," or list of situations which cause anxiety for him, starting from those which cause less distress and gradually building it up the hierarchy.
ERP therapy can help you understand and manage anxiety effectively by engaging in in-session exposures as well as homework imaginal exposures. NOCD offers experienced, insurance-covered therapists that specialize in ERP therapy; schedule a free call now to locate one near you!
Medication
Some individuals with OCD may benefit from taking medications to help ease their anxiety and eliminate obsessive thoughts. Antidepressants, specifically SSRI antidepressants, are frequently prescribed, while certain antipsychotic drugs or D-cycloserine (an antibiotic once used to treat tuberculosis) have also proven helpful.
Keep in mind that medications only work if taken regularly; otherwise, the symptoms associated with OCD could return.
OCD treatment often combines psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. If OCD symptoms are interfering with your quality of life or that of someone close, please seek professional assistance immediately. Make sure your physician knows about any additional medical or herbal treatments, vitamins or supplements being taken as they will be able to determine any interactions with prescribed medications.
Self-help
People living with OCD often feel powerless over their thoughts and actions. Even when aware that their obsessions or compulsions don't prevent harm, they still feel compelled to engage in them. Obsessions and compulsions may interfere with daily tasks like attending work on time or doing homework; furthermore they can cause anxiety, shame, guilt or fear for those affected.
Psychotherapy treatments that may help improve OCD symptoms include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure and response prevention (ERP) treatment, where gradually exposed to an anxiety-inducing situation or image helps overcome your fears that lead to your compulsive behaviors.
OCD may coexist with other mental health conditions that affect thoughts and behavior, including body dysmorphic disorder or trichotillomania (persistent hair-pulling). But these other conditions do not cause obsessive or compulsive thoughts like those associated with OCD; these can be treated through psychotherapy or medication instead. Furthermore, social isolation can exacerbate OCD symptoms so it's essential that OCD sufferers stay connected with family and friends as social isolation exacerbates OCD symptoms.
