Treatment of OCD - cure and care

The most effective medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac),paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluvoxamine (Luvox); and tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine (Anafranil). These drugs help decrease the frequency and intensity of the obsessions and compulsions. Improvement usually takes three or more weeks and the patient will have to continue the medication indefinitely.

Behavioral therapies - aversion therapy, thought stopping, thought switching, flooding, implosion therapy, and exposure and response prevention - have also been effective.

Effective treatments for obsessive compulsive disorder are available, and research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people with OCD and other anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives.

Effective treatments for each of the anxiety disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have been developed through research. In general, two types of treatment are available for an anxiety disorder-medication and specific types of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy"). Both approaches can be effective for most disorders. The choice of one or the other, or both, depends on the patient's and the doctor's preference, and also on the particular anxiety disorder. For example, only psychotherapy has been found effective for specific phobias. When choosing a therapist, you should find out whether medications will be available if needed.

How to Cure Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by Medication?

Psychiatrists or other physicians can prescribe medications for anxiety disorders such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These doctors often work closely with psychologists, social workers, or counselors who provide psychotherapy. Although medications won't cure an anxiety disorder, they can keep the symptoms under control and enable you to lead a normal, fulfilling life.

How to Cure Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy involves talking with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or counselor to learn how to deal with problems like anxiety disorders such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

BottomLine for curing OCD:

Medication may be combined with psychotherapy, and for many people this is the best approach to treatment. As stated earlier, it is important to give any treatment a fair trial. And if one approach doesn't work, the odds are that another one will, so don't give up.

If you have recovered from an anxiety disorder, and at a later date it recurs, don't consider yourself a "treatment failure." Recurrences can be treated effectively, just like an initial episode. In fact, the skills you learned in dealing with the initial episode can be helpful in coping with a setback.

Encourage active diversionary activities, such as whistling or humming a tune, to divert attention from the unwanted thoughts and to promote a pleasurable experience.
Help the patient develop new ways to solve problems. and cultivate more effective coping skills by setting limits on unacceptable behavior (for example, by limiting the number of times per day she may indulge in compulsive behavior). Gradually shorten the time allowed. Help her focus on other feelings or problems for the remainder of the time.
Identify insight and improved behavior (reduced compulsive behavior and fewer obsessive thoughts). Evaluate behavioral changes by your own observations and the patient's reports.
Identify disturbing topics of conversation that reflect underlying anxiety or terror.
Help the patient identify progress and set realistic expectations of hersell and others.
Work with the patient and other treatment team members to establish behavioral goals and to help the patient tolerate anxiety in pursuing these goals.