OCD Disorder Treatment

Everyone double checks things sometimes. For example, you might double check to make sure the stove or iron is turned off before leaving the house. But people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or (OCD) feel the need to check things repeatedly, or have certain thoughts or perform routines and rituals over and over. The thoughts and rituals associated with OCD cause distress and get in the way of daily life. 

The frequent upsetting thoughts are called obsessions. To try and control them, a person will feel an overwhelming urge to repeat certain rituals or behaviors called compulsions. People with OCD cannot control these obsessions and compulsions. 

For many people, OCD starts during childhood or the teen years. Most people are diagnosed by about age 19. Symptoms of OCD may come and go and be better or worse at different times. 

OCD usually begins slowly, with a few obsessions that develop into rituals. People with OCD are usually preoccupied with cleanliness and avoiding germs. In this case, the repetitive behaviors begin slowly but then become increasingly difficult to control. For example, hand washing, daily showering, and housework may become frequent, precise, and prolonged. While some rituals can have a place in everyday life, rituals that begin to disturb the quality of life become a problem. People with OCD are unable to skip any steps in the ritualistic behavior because the compulsive thoughts will bother them until they perform the ritual exactly as they think it must be done. While they feel relieved after completing the series of actions, the relief is short-lived. They are soon compelled to repeat the ritual all over again. 

OCD can be treated with psychological therapy, medications, or a combination of the two. Behavior therapy will only be effective if you are motivated and truly want to manage your condition. It helps you to learn different ways of thinking about and reacting to situations that make you anxious. Because it is challenging and can be demanding on both you and your family, family support is vital to help you overcome the condition. 

Treatment using medications can also be very effective in the treatment of OCD. Antidepressants that affect serotonin brain pathways are very useful in controlling the symptoms of OCD. These medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, escitalopram, and the tricyclic antidepressant clomipramine. It can take up to 4 to 6 weeks for medications to show results.