Treatment for Obsessive-compulsive disorder is very effective, and most people who receive treatment recover completely. Depending on the severity of Obsessive-compulsive disorder, treatments range from a variety of medications to therapies.
Diagnosis:
There’s no test for Obsessive-compulsive disorder. A health care provider makes the diagnosis after asking you about your symptoms.
- How much time do they take up each day
- What you do to try and ignore or suppress them
- Whether Obsessive-compulsive disorder the related beliefs feel true to you
- What effects do obsessions and compulsions have on your relationships and daily life
Treatment:
There’s no cure for Obsessive-compulsive disorder. But you may be able to manage how your symptoms affect your life through medicine, therapy, or a combination of treatments.
Treatments include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT):
Cognitive behavior therapy aims to change patterns of thinking, beliefs, and behaviors that may trigger anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. This therapy uses education to promote control over symptoms.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP):
With this therapy, you do the thing that causes anxiety. Your doctor will put you in a situation designed to create anxiety or set off compulsions. You’ll learn to lessen and then stop your obsessive-compulsive disorder thoughts or actions.
Medications:
Drugs called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), selective SRIs (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants may help. They increase levels of serotonin.
Relaxation:
Simple things like deep breathing, yoga, and massage can help with stressful symptoms.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT):
Electroconvulsive therapy uses electrodes that get attached to the head. These wires deliver electric shocks to the brain. The shocks cause small seizures, which help the brain release helpful chemicals.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS):
Transcranial magnetic stimulation uses a magnetic device placed on the head. It delivers electrical impulses to the brain. The impulses cause the brain to release chemicals known to improve mood.
Here are some tips to overcome Obsessive-compulsive disorder:
- Practice mindfulness to manage stress
- Get plenty of exercises
- Sleep well and enough
- Avoid nicotine and alcohol
- Reach out to family and friend
How to help someone with Obsessive-compulsive disorder:
- Avoid making personal criticisms
- Be as kind and patient as possible
- Keep communication positive and clear
- Do not play along with your loved one’s rituals
- Find the humor
- Don’t scold someone with Obsessive-compulsive disorder or tell them to stop performing rituals
- Don’t let Obsessive-compulsive disorder take over family life
Obsessive-compulsive disorder support groups and education:
Support allow people with obsessive-compulsive disorder and their families to meet in comfort and safety and give and receive support. The groups also provide the opportunity to learn more about the disorder and to develop social networks.
Hospitalization for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:
Assessment and treatment in hospitals can be helpful for some people, particularly when symptoms are severe. A stay in hospital may last from several days to a few weeks.
Self-help tips:
- Refocus your attention
- Write down obsessive thoughts or worries.
- Set aside time for a daily worry period
- Take care of yourself