OCD treatment

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.

In psychodynamic therapy, patients discuss their current circumstances, past experiences, and how events may be influencing their present-day thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together with a therapist, beliefs and actions are analyzed to understand how OCD developed.

Although CBT is a type of talking therapy, it differs from other talking therapies like counseling in that it is much more structured and customized to the patient’s current issues. There is little to no focus on the patient’s past.

ACT is a behavioral intervention for OCD that is acceptance- and mindfulness-based. It helps patients have a healthier relationship with their inner experiences while strengthening behavior patterns that are consistent with one’s values

The obsessions and compulsions of this disorder can be controlled with the aid of specific drugs. Antidepressants are usually prescribed first, but depending on the severity and nature of the symptoms, psychiatric drugs or antidepressants may be recommended.

Our licensed therapists specialize in offering the best treatment for OCD in-person and via our online services. Both approaches are effective for therapies and medication management. Patients can engage with a certified therapist over the phone or in live video sessions. Patients can learn practical strategies for managing obsessive thoughts and compulsive urges in an environment that is most comfortable for them.

Treatment of OCD can prevent symptoms from controlling your daily life. Some patients may require long-term, continuous, or more extensive treatment depending on how severe their OCD is. 

Psychotherapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication are frequently employed to gradually expose the patient to their fears so they can learn how to manage the impulse to carry out their compulsive rituals. The doctor may include medication to effectively manage anxiety or related symptoms.