How To Treat OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) Effectively
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects more than 2.5 million adults in the United States. OCD is a mental illness characterized by frequent unwanted thoughts that lead to repetitive behaviors. Living with symptoms of OCD can feel isolating, but effective treatment options are available. Keep reading to learn more about effective treatments for OCD and ways to find support from a mental health professional who specializes in OCD.
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OCD symptoms
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, OCD is “a disorder marked by uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), repetitive and excessive behaviors (compulsions), or both.” Although the disorder can begin at any age, it often starts in older children or young adults.
Symptoms of the different types of obsessive-compulsive disorder
There are at least four different types of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):
- Order/symmetry
- Contamination
- Checking
- Unacceptable thoughts
However, not everyone with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experiences one of these four types as a textbook case.
There are many branches of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) associated with the four main types. For example, many people experience OCD symptoms focused on food as a type of contamination OCD. These individuals may experience no other symptoms of contamination OCD but feel that some foods are dirty and should be avoided. This can result in anxiety and disordered eating as a person with OCD tries to find “safe” foods.
Confession OCD
Another example is confession OCD, wherein people with OCD must confess their perceived wrongdoings or unpleasant thoughts. This symptom of OCD may be rooted in shame about obsessive thoughts.
Relationship OCD
Another OCD subtype is relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD), wherein an individual experiences obsessive thoughts about their partner and/or their relationship with them.
How OCD affects daily life
OCD can have a significant impact on a person’s everyday functioning. In some cases, symptoms can become so severe that a person has difficulty leaving home or keeping up with tasks at work. Severe OCD symptoms can have repercussions on a person’s ability to pursue certain jobs or advance in their current career, even if they are highly competent in their field.
OCD can also affect a person’s relationships, as the compulsions can sometimes be extremely time-consuming. This can affect a person’s ability to spend time with friends, family, or a romantic partner. Some people may fear telling others about their disorder, which may lead to misunderstandings about certain behavior patterns.
How OCD is diagnosed
While some people may believe they have OCD based on their symptoms, only a healthcare provider or mental health professional can provide an OCD diagnosis. They typically have to ensure a person meets sufficient criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). An evaluation from someone who understands OCD may also require ruling out other disorders with similar symptoms to reach an accurate diagnosis.
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Find your matchConditions related to OCD
Some conditions may have symptom overlap with OCD, which means that providers may have to carefully assess symptoms to determine if a person has OCD, another disorder, or both.
For example, some people may experience tics related to Tourette syndrome, but someone living with OCD may also have some repetitive behaviors that may be confused with tics from Tourette syndrome. Similarly, some people may have obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, which is often confused with OCD yet is classified as a different type of disorder in the DSM-5.
How to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder effectively: Coping mechanisms for OCD, therapy, and more
The American Psychiatric Association notes that OCD is considered a chronic disorder, which means it is typically a lifelong mental disorder. People living with OCD may see symptoms return, or they may experience some symptoms for life, regardless of treatment.
Exposure and response prevention and brain stimulation
Despite the fact that OCD can be severe, it can be a treatable condition.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP therapy) is considered the gold standard or first-line therapy for OCD. ERP, which can be a part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), tends to work over time as a person is gradually exposed to certain situations related to their intrusive thoughts.
The symptoms may not go away entirely, but through psychotherapy, a person with OCD typically gains more control and stability in everyday life.
Other treatments and complementary approaches
In some cases, certain approaches may be used to complement evidence-based treatments. Some providers may recommend neuromodulation (with electrical signals) or advanced therapies, depending on a person’s specific symptoms. Also, people living with OCD may benefit from stress reduction techniques, lifestyle changes, and alternative medicine approaches (e.g., herbal remedies). These approaches may not eliminate symptoms, but may reduce high stress levels and bring symptoms to a more manageable level.
Note: Alternative treatments should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider who understands possible interactions between treatments.
When OCD is treatment resistant
With treatment-resistant OCD, healthcare providers may recommend specialist care, combined treatment approaches, and antipsychotic medications, such as atypical antipsychotics. In some cases, doctors may recommend deep brain stimulation, but this is typically reserved for cases with very severe symptoms.
Building a long-term OCD treatment plan
Building a long-term treatment plan can involve working with a care team who can help you identify triggers, monitor your progress, and assist with relapse prevention. The following are some steps that may help with your treatment plan.
1. Determine what leads to intrusive thoughts
One way to get treatment for OCD is to acknowledge the things that activate your obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Although OCD can sometimes involve a constant flow of obsessive thoughts throughout the day, you likely have some things that provoke such thoughts, whether you realize them or not. Sometimes, OCD symptoms are activated by the fear of losing loved ones, or they can be provoked by concerns about getting sick. Also, for some, a lack of sleep can make OCD symptoms worse the following day.
When you understand the things that cause your compulsive rituals, you may begin to manage your symptoms. You can learn to prepare yourself for the activation and generate healthy coping mechanisms, such as taking deep breaths or going for a walk.
2. Focus on nutrition
When learning how to treat OCD symptoms, one factor to consider is the food you eat. Low blood sugar, for example, can lead to possible side effects, such as feeling low or tired, which could trigger a downward spiral into obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Eating nutritious foods throughout the day can help stabilize blood sugar levels. You might consider keeping a food journal to track your food consumption relative to the anxiety you experience. This may help you pinpoint which foods tend to accompany OCD symptoms.
3. Take medication as indicated
Another possible way to treat OCD is to take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which are medications prescribed to help increase serotonin levels in the brain. A lack of serotonin can contribute significantly to OCD symptoms. Although SSRIs and other medications cannot cure OCD, they may make it easier to manage symptoms as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
SSRI medications and mental health concerns
There are several SSRI medications on the market. Talking openly about your treatment response and side effects may help your doctor find the right medication instead of simply having you take higher doses. It can take a few trials to find the best SSRI for you and your symptoms. In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe other antidepressants, such as a tricyclic antidepressant, which may work better for some people with OCD.
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4. Find therapy for OCD: Exposure and response prevention
One thing you can do when experiencing OCD is to seek the help of a licensed counselor who understands OCD-spectrum disorders. One effective treatment for OCD is exposure and response prevention therapy, or ERP therapy, a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Through ERP therapy sessions, you may find healthy ways to cope with OCD symptoms and manage compulsive behavior.
ERP therapy for OCD isn’t the only option. Other methods, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, may also be helpful. A licensed social worker, counselor, or therapist can help you learn how to effectively manage and get your OCD treated while becoming an important part of your support group.
Online mental health therapy for OCD
It may not always be easy for a person with OCD to attend in-person appointments at a therapist’s office. Sometimes, the compulsions associated with this mental illness can be time-consuming and even debilitating. In these cases, online therapy for OCD can be a viable solution. With online therapy, you can connect with a licensed mental health counselor via audio, video, or live chat at a time that works best for you.
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Does online therapy for OCD actually work?
You may wonder if online counseling is an effective way to treat your symptoms. One study found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was effective for:
- OCD
- Depression
- Social anxiety disorder
- Substance use disorder
- Panic disorders
- Bipolar disorder
Takeaway
What is the best way to deal with OCD?
The best way to manage OCD is typically to see a licensed therapist, who may use exposure and response prevention (ERP) or a type of cognitive therapy to improve thoughts and behaviors.
Is OCD curable or manageable long term?
While OCD isn’t typically curable, it may be manageable with evidence-based care from a healthcare provider and/or mental health professional.
How can I tell if I have OCD?
You can only know with certainty that you have OCD if a healthcare provider or mental health professional provides a diagnosis. However, signs may include intrusive thoughts and distress (emotional or physical feelings) when you can’t perform certain behaviors related to obsessive thoughts.
What is the hardest type of OCD to treat?
There isn’t necessarily one type of OCD that is the hardest to treat. However, some types of OCD, such as those involving taboo topics, may make it difficult for people to seek help.
What is the root cause of OCD?
Researchers don’t fully understand the cause of OCD, but they believe that genetic and brain chemistry or function may play a role. A family history of OCD, stressful life events, and other mental disorders may increase a person’s risk of developing OCD.
What age does OCD usually start?
OCD often begins late in childhood or early in adulthood. However, it can begin at any age.
Can people with OCD live a normal life?
People with OCD can lead productive, fulfilling lives, but they may need medication or therapy to learn to manage symptoms.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for OCD?
There isn’t necessarily a 3-3-3 rule specific to OCD, but there is one for anxiety, as follows: Name 3 things you can see, 3 things you can hear, and 3 things you can touch. Regardless of which senses you engage, the process may help you feel grounded and less anxious.
How can I reduce OCD symptoms naturally?
You may find that you can reduce symptoms by implementing stress reduction strategies, such as improving sleep hygiene and getting regular exercise. You may also benefit from alternative treatments, but these should only be used with the supervision of a medical professional.
When should I seek professional help for OCD?
If you are experiencing intrusive thoughts or compulsions, you might consider seeking professional help. You don’t have to have a diagnosis of OCD to seek help.
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