Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive and unreasonable thoughts or obsessions that are compounded by the need to engage in repetitive actions or compulsions to relieve the intense feeling of anxiety. There are several treatments available to those who struggle with this disorder; however, treatment does not indicate that there is a cure for this disorder. Rather, it is a way to live more healthfully with OCD. The primary treatment options include psychotherapy interventions and medication interventions. Additionally, there are helpful alternative methods that supplement the primary treatment options.
Psychotherapy Treatment
Psychotherapy treatments involve relationships formed between counselors and clients. The goal of psychotherapy treatment is to help the client solve life dilemmas and learn how to manage the obstacles posed when dealing with a disorder. There are various types of psychotherapy available; however, in treatment for OCD, the Mayo Clinic states that the most effective psychotherapy treatment focuses on thoughts and actions, which is known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves retraining unhealthy thought patterns, so that compulsions are no longer acted out in a negative manner. In the CBT approach, a method called exposure and response prevention is used to decrease symptoms. Exposure involves confronting the object, thought or situation causing the anxiety, either in person or through image exposure. Response prevention serves to prevent or delay the actions or compulsions that come from the obsessive thoughts. The end result of CBT is decreased or eliminated compulsions when obsessions or intrusive thoughts are present.
Medication Treatment
Medication treatment has shown to be effective for decreasing some symptoms of OCD due to increasing a chemical called serotonin, which the Mayo Clinic says has been shown to be deficient in people with OCD. Medication is not a cure, nor does it teach skills to deal with the intrusive thoughts and actions associated with OCD. Medication treatment serves to balance the serotonin levels and decrease obsessive thoughts. Two medications have shown to help: antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Specifically, these medications include: Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, Wellbutrin and Effexor. As with any medication, there are potential side effects, and it is recommended to discuss the use of medication in treating OCD with a clinical professional that specializes in treatment of the disorder.
Alternative Treatment
Alternative treatments, as supplements to traditional treatments, may be effective in decreasing symptoms of OCD. Alternative approaches include aromatherapy and mind/body practice, such as yoga. Aromatherapy involves the use of specific oils with active ingredients that trigger chemicals in the brain. The oils can by used in massage, in the bath or diffused in fragrance form. According to HolisticOnline.com, there are specific oils required, and a knowledge of the mixtures must be gained through research. Mind/body practice refers to meditation and relaxation techniques. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of yoga, as well as deep-breathing exercises, massage and sound therapy. Yoga, as a treatment, is helpful in training the mind to focus, as well as learning how to respond to actions and learning postures for decreasing anxiety.
