Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by a combination of unwanted, repetitive thoughts and ritualistic actions performed in an attempt to silence the thoughts. According to the International OCD Foundation, one out of 100 adults has obsessive-compulsive disorder. Also called OCD, this disorder can often be alleviated by biomedical or psychosocial treatments. While OCD is rarely brought into full remission, its symptoms can be managed with the assistance of a health care professional.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
The goal of cognitive behavior therapy is to alter the repetitive unpleasant thoughts and control or cease the compulsive behavior. People with OCD often feel a large amount of responsibility for the things that happen around them and to their loved ones, and through cognitive therapy, they are taught how to evaluate which thoughts are rational and which are not. Patients are empowered to assist in their own recovery and are taught effective ways to deal with obsessive thinking patterns without resorting to the compulsive, repetitive behaviors.
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy
Exposure and response prevention is a common treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is actually a form of cognitive behavior therapy that focuses on exposing the patient to small amounts of a feared object or situation. After the patient becomes accustomed to the feared object or situation, he is then not allowed to perform the ritualistic behavior that alleviates his anxiety. One classic example involves a patient touching a garbage can and not being allowed to wash his hands. Eventually, the patient learns that no horrible outcome happens when the ritualistic behavior is not performed, and the patient's anxiety is reduced.
The patient is normally exposed to various situations in an order from situations that produce little anxiety to those that produce great anxiety. Homework is frequently assigned so that the therapy can progress. Exposure and response prevention therapy can take weeks, months or years depending on the severity of the symptoms and the number of situations the patient derives anxiety from. This treatment should be directed by a mental health professional and not attempted without guidance.
Group Therapy
Group therapy for obsessive-compulsive therapy can be effective for many patients as they learn they are not alone in their obsessive thinking. They can also learn skills that other patients have utilized to quiet the intrusive thoughts or unwanted behaviors. Speaking with others who understand what the patient is going through can decrease feelings of isolation for many sufferers of OCD. Group therapy is occasionally used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Family Therapy
According to HelpGuide.org, family therapy is sometimes used for families with a member who has obsessive-compulsive disorder, as the entire family can become maladjusted due to the illness. Family members are taught the basics of the disease and ways to assist in symptom management. They may also need to be supported in not performing tasks for the patient that she irrationally avoids.
Other Psychosocial Therapies
Other psychosocial therapies for OCD exist and are used occasionally. Psychoanalysis may be used to look at deep-seated issues relative to guilt. Patients with OCD who hoard objects may need a behavior therapy geared specifically to the hoarding. Some patients with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder may require partial or complete psychiatric hospitalization for a period of time.
