How can Obsessive Compulsive Disorder be Treated?
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is usually treated with medicines and psychotherapy.
Medicines for Obsessive compulsive disorder:
Antidepressants, antipsychotics or benzodiazepines can be used for treating Obsessive compulsive disorder. It usually takes up to 3 weeks for the effect to be shown.
The first line of treatment is using a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) - fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline. In cases where SSRIs do not work, tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) - clomipramine is used.
Antipsychotics like quetiapine and risperidone can be used.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety.
Psychotherapy- Cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches a person different ways of thinking, behaving and reacting to situations can be helpful. This therapy helps one feel less anxious or fearful without having obsessive thoughts or acting compulsively. The exposure and response prevention are helpful in reducing the compulsive behavior. As part of the therapy, the patient is repeatedly exposed to a situation that triggers the obsessive thoughts. Gradually the patient is taught to tolerate the anxiety and resist the urge to perform the compulsion.
Group therapy- Usually 8-10 people are treated simultaneously. It offers patient an opportunity to realize that many others have and share problems and that they are not alone.
