| People who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive | | | | and wait until their overwhelming desire to wash their |
| Disorder (OCD) have repetitive thoughts and | | | | hands subsides. In this way they learn that nothing bad |
| behaviors. Even though they are aware that the | | | | is going to happen to them should they not perform |
| repetition is uncalled for, it is something they simply | | | | their compulsive ritual. |
| cannot control. If they don't perform their rituals then | | | | Cognitive Therapy |
| they experience excessive anxiety. Although no | | | | This type of obsessive compulsive disorder treatment |
| obsessive compulsive disorder treatment provides a | | | | challenges your negative thoughts and helps you to |
| cure, many can help alleviate the symptoms. | | | | realize that you can control your anxiety without |
| Common Forms of OCD | | | | resorting to rituals. |
| The most common forms of OCD usually fall within | | | | Medication |
| one of these categories: | | | | The most common OCD medication is |
| - Washers and cleaners: Because of their fear of | | | | antidepressants but no medication on its own can |
| contamination, washers frequently shower and wash | | | | effectively treat this disorder. Medication is at its best |
| their hands while cleaners wash their clothes time and | | | | when used along with some form of therapy. |
| time again and constantly clean their home. | | | | Group Therapy |
| - Checkers: These people are constantly checking | | | | Another viable obsessive compulsive disorder |
| things, like if appliances have been turned off or if the | | | | treatment is group therapy. By meeting others with |
| doors are locked, for fear of something bad happening | | | | OCD you will get much needed support and you won't |
| if they are not checked. | | | | have that isolated feeling that many experience. |
| - Obsessionals: This refers to people who have scary | | | | Self-help |
| or violent thoughts that show them hurting others. | | | | Some self-help strategies are shown below: |
| They try to counteract these thoughts by repetition of | | | | - Learn about OCD: Educate yourself about OCD. The |
| certain words, songs or prayer. | | | | more you know the more you will be able to control |
| - Orderers: An orderer must have everything | | | | your obsessions and compulsions. |
| organized in a certain way and gets upset if their items | | | | - Involve your friends and family: It's important to have |
| are moved out of place. | | | | someone you can turn to and support you. Getting |
| - Hoarders: These individuals collect or keep things that | | | | them involved in your treatment can also help to keep |
| are often useless but are fearful of throwing them | | | | you on track and prevent relapses. |
| away in case they may need it at a later time. | | | | - Try relaxation techniques: Certain relaxation therapies |
| Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment | | | | like breathing exercises, meditation and yoga can help |
| The treatment shown to be most effective is therapy | | | | reduce your anxiety symptoms. The most effective |
| although medication and a few self-help methods may | | | | type of obsessive compulsive disorder treatment |
| aid in reducing anxiety levels. | | | | varies from person to person as do the symptoms of |
| Exposure & Response Prevention Therapies | | | | OCD. Friends and families of individuals suffering from |
| As the name suggests, this type of therapy makes | | | | OCD can greatly benefit by learning what they can |
| you face your obsession without reacting to it. For | | | | concerning this disorder. The more they know the |
| example, a washer may be asked to touch the floor | | | | more understanding they will become. |
| but instead of being allowed to wash up they must sit | | | | |