Treatment for OCD includes a variety of treatments provided by a mental health professional. Talking therapy and medication can help children and adults manage obsessive thoughts and increased angst. Medication can specifically treat generalized anxiety and depression symptoms that may coexist. The ultimate objective of therapy is to prepare patients for exposure to the outside world, where they can learn to control their compulsions and accept uncertainty rather than fear it.
Different psychotherapies are effective for OCD such as cognitive therapy to examine how the patient thinks and behaves. Exposure and reaction prevention are frequent components of CBT therapy, which can help break the cycle of compulsive behavior. Patients can also learn to manage their symptoms through techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation training, and hyperventilation management.