OCD refers to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This is a mental condition where people get engaged in irrational thoughts, and to reduce those thoughts, they engage in certain behaviors repetitively. Such foolish thoughts are known as obsession. And the behaviors these thoughts trigger are known as compulsion.
People with OCD often experience anxiety through those irrational thoughts. And to reduce that anxiety, they engage in certain behaviors. They believe repeating these behaviors will ease their stress and reduce the risk of harm. OCD becomes a persistent problem if it remains untreated. Furthermore, it could affect daily functioning and hamper the rhythm of life. Although OCD is a severe mental disorder, there are few effective therapy and treatment options available. Ever wonder what is the best therapy for OCD? This question requires a proper evaluation of all available treatments and therapies. This article aims to educate you about the available treatments and therapies for OCD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Works Well
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) performs well in reducing the symptoms of OCD. This therapy aims to modify those irrational thoughts. It teaches you some practical techniques to deal with the anxiety and fear caused by those meaningless thoughts.
Also, CBT seeks to expose the patients to the triggering objects and events. Due to the overexposure, patients learn to face the fear-triggering objects. And as an outcome, the patients become habituated to dealing with those fearful objects. And those objects don’t trigger anxiety, fear, and repetitive behaviors anymore.
Exposure Therapy Offers Long-term Result
If you ask what is the best therapy for OCD, then we will say it’s exposure therapy. Exposure therapy works best in reducing anxiety and fear if performed under professional supervision. This therapy requires a unique setup where your therapist will introduce you to the fear-triggering objects. Also, your therapist might expose you to the objects, situations, and people you are obsessed with. The therapist will advise you to stay calm and not to perform repetitive behaviors.
Here, the therapist will remain gentle throughout the process. They might allow you to perform those repetitive behaviors in the first place. But with time, they will instruct you to take more time before performing those repetitive actions. The time gap will keep increasing, which will permanently resolve your tendency to engage in such irrational behaviors. However, this therapy must be performed in a controlled setup. Also, the therapist must be professional, as any mistake or causality can worsen this condition.
Mindfulness is an Effective Remedy
Mindfulness aims to distract your mind positively. An OCD patient needs to invest their mind in positive thinking, and that’s what this therapeutic approach tries to do. It teaches you to stop worrying about other things and live the present moment fully. It advises you not to worry or fear about the future and invest in the present.
For example, if you practice yoga, mindfulness will encourage you to focus on your movements. It will motivate you to feel the moments. It will dictate you to invest all your thoughts and energy in feeling your body. This way, your mind will be diverted, and you will become habituated to living in the present.
Group Therapy Offers Positivity and Encouragement
Research evidence has supported the fact that group therapy can offer a brilliant result in reducing OCD symptoms. Although group therapy was primarily designed to treat personality disorders, it works wonderfully in treating people with OCD. Group therapy invites individuals with OCD to come and join the group therapy sessions. Such sessions allow them to discuss the challenges they experience and what coping strategies they use to overcome such challenges.
Incorporating this group therapy session can make you feel confident and encourage you to deal with your OCD symptoms in the proper manner. It lets you feel connected, reducing the fear and feeling of loneliness. However, one needs to remain consistent to benefit from such therapy sessions. It might take more than 5-6 sessions to offer the desirable result.
Family Therapy Brings Support and Empathy
Sometimes, a patient’s family fails to understand the severity of OCD. And this is why they often fail to offer the needed support and empathy to the OCD patient. However, family plays a significant role in the recovery of an individual with OCD. This is why family therapy is essential. This therapy brings more insights to the family members. Here, the therapist explains the causes, symptoms, and proper treatment approaches to the patient’s family members.
Such family therapy sessions aim to improve communication between the OCD patient and their beloved family members. Here, the therapist motivates the family members to offer more support and empathy. Support and warmth speed up the recovery process.
Medications Should Be Taken to an Extent
Certain medications can quickly reduce OCD symptoms. However, one shouldn’t consume such medications without consulting a psychiatrist. Only they can prescribe these medicines if needed. Also, medicines work best when paired with therapy sessions. These medications work by increasing the production of stress-relieving hormones like Serotonin.
Remember, these medicines can be habit-forming if consumed for a more extended period.
Also, it might lead to some severe side effects if consumed without proper supervision. Consumption of antidepressant medicines for a longer time can affect your cognitive functions. Hence, one should always consult a professional before taking such medication.
Yoga Calms Down the Brain and Mind
An individual with OCD often experiences intense restlessness. While this problem becomes stubborn if neglected, yoga can cure this problem without causing any side effects. Practicing yoga in the early morning helps calm your brain and mind, significantly reducing the symptoms of stress.
Make sure to practice yoga daily. Remember to become consistent in this holistic approach. It might take some time to show the difference; however, the result is worth the wait.
Final Thoughts
Although OCD can become a stubborn issue and cause many difficulties, there are some effective remedies to deal with OCD. Just remember to pay attention to your mental health and seek external support if needed. You will achieve a speedy recovery with the right treatment and proper care. On the other hand, neglecting OCD can trigger some other mental health issues. So, taking the necessary actions from the beginning is essential.