OCD Treatment: Path to Recovery and Relief

Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a serious condition. Left untreated, it can seriously limit and impair those it affects. Fortunately, there are treatments available for OCD which can greatly relieve symptoms and allow for more full and enjoyable experiences of life.

Early treatment of OCD is key to symptom reduction and remission. The sooner treatment begins, “the better the outlook” (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Prompt treatment reduces structural changes that take place in the brain, which predicts better outcomes in the long term. People treated for OCD early have much less severe symptoms and levels of disability (Pittinger et al., 2005). Treatment does not have to look just one way, however. Individuals struggling with OCD have numerous options.

Treatment of OCD can include one or more interventions. The best treatment often includes several interventions, specifically a combination of therapy and medication (Geller, 2022). Therapy usually includes cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, and/or exposure response prevention (ERP), a specific type of CBT (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Another form of therapy that may treat OCD is acceptance and commitment therapy, or ACT (International OCD Foundation, n.d.). Medications typically include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (Cleveland Clinic). Individuals wanting to try medication need to consult with a medical doctor to obtain prescriptions. Typically, doctors want individuals to start with therapy and medication, as medication takes some time to work (International OCD Foundation, Cleveland Clinic). There is hope for symptom remission over time!

For adults who struggle with severe OCD, additional treatment options exist. This consists of more invasive procedures such as Deep brain stimulation (DBS) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for adults (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2023). These are typically tried only after first adhering to therapy and medication treatments (Pittenger et al., 2005). As time goes on, more treatment interventions may be added for OCD.

Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is serious, but it can be treated. After getting diagnosed and consulting with their doctors, individuals can make choices about their treatment options. The right combination of treatment can greatly ease OCD symptoms and improve overall quality of life.