More specifically, the most effective treatments are a type of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which has the strongest evidence supporting its use in the treatment of OCD, and/or a class of medications called serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SRIs.
The gold standard treatment for OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a kind of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) called “exposure with response prevention,” or exposure therapy.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD
ERP, a type of CBT, is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. Up to 60% of people who complete ERP treatment have less OCD symptoms over the long-term. In ERP, a therapist gradually exposes you to thoughts or situations that trigger your anxiety (exposure).
When it comes to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a common mental health disorder in which a person has reoccurring thoughts and behaviors they continually repeat, avoidance is often used as a coping mechanism.
First-line pharmacological treatment for OCD
SSRIs are associated with many adverse effects but are usually well tolerated. The only other medication which has shown to be consistently effective in OCD is the serotoninergic tricyclic antidepressant clomipramine.
However, SSRIs like paroxetine and fluoxetine are often recommended first because they are considered safe and effective with a low risk for serious side effects.
A newly developed drug called truriluze is believed to be able to regulate glutamate, acting as a modulating agent for the neurotransmitter. Through glutamate's eventual effect on serotonin, this indirect route to OCD relief is considered a promising step toward more widespread symptom alleviation.
However, one thing that is clear is that comorbidities, stress, anxiety, and major life changes or circumstances can all play a significant role in how much worse OCD might become. As symptoms increase or intensify, people with OCD may also experience the following: Failure at work and/or school.
Some theories suggest that OCD is caused by personal experience. For example: If you've had a painful childhood experience, or suffered trauma, abuse or bullying, you might learn to use obsessions and compulsions to cope with anxiety.
Primarily obsessional OCD has been called "one of the most distressing and challenging forms of OCD." People with this form of OCD have "distressing and unwanted thoughts pop into [their] head frequently," and the thoughts "typically center on a fear that you may do something totally uncharacteristic of yourself, ...
Total severity scores are usually assumed to indicate the following levels of OCD: subclinical (0–7), mild (8–15), moderate (16–23), severe (24–31) and extremely severe (32–40).
The two main treatments for OCD are psychotherapy and medications. Often, treatment is most effective with a combination of these.
However, there are several strategies that you can use to manage and reduce the intensity of an OCD attack. Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and calm the mind.
Practice Mindfulness
Another way to manage OCD is through mindfulness, or the ability to be fully present and aware in a particular moment. It often involves techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help your mind relax.
While it's difficult to predict when or how OCD will worsen, stress, comorbidities and life circumstances can all play a significant role. OCD is generally diagnosed between the ages of 8 and 12 or between the late teenage years and early adulthood, but the condition tends to vary in severity throughout one's life.
Symptoms fluctuate in severity from time to time, and this fluctuation may be related to the occurrence of stressful events. Because symptoms usually worsen with age, people may have difficulty remembering when OCD began, but can sometimes recall when they first noticed that the symptoms were disrupting their lives.
Magnesium plays a key role in balancing mood and relaxation, and its deficiencies are linked with depression. Thanks to its calming effect, magnesium is nicknamed nature's tranquilizer. This is also the reason magnesium supplements can help those with OCD manage the condition.
Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) is extremely helpful in treating OCD. Therapy is difficult, but with the right resources, there is hope.