The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can be a challenging condition to live with. With its intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions), OCD can significantly impact your daily life. From meticulously arranging items to repeatedly checking things , OCD can take various forms – and despite its prevalence, effective treatments for OCD have been in short supply, leaving roughly 40 percent of patients without relief from existing therapies.
However, if you find yourself experiencing OCD symptoms, it’s essential to seek help and explore available treatments, some of which are fairly new and offer great promise.
Diagnosing OCD
How do you know if you have OCD? As it turns out, diagnosing OCD involves a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional. Here’s what the process entails:
- Psychological evaluation: During an evaluation, you’ll discuss your thoughts, feelings and behaviors to determine if you have obsessions or compulsive behaviors that interfere with your quality of life. Your doctor may also, with your permission, talk to your family or friends.
- Physical exam: A physical exam may be conducted to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms and to check for any related complications.
Diagnosing OCD often can be complicated because its symptoms mimic those of other mental health disorders. It’s essential to work closely with your doctor so that you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options
While there may not be a cure for OCD, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. The two primary treatments for OCD are:
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD, especially exposure and response prevention, has been shown as highly effective for many patients. ERP involves gradually exposing yourself to feared objects or situations and learning to resist engaging in compulsive rituals.
- Medications: Certain psychiatric medications, like antidepressants, can help control obsessions and compulsions. Antidepressants approved for treating OCD include fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline and clomipramine.
Considerations for Medications
Finding the right medication and dosage may require some trial and error. It’s essential to work closely with your doctor to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as needed. When discussing medication options with your doctor, it’s essential to consider the following:
- Side effects: All psychiatric medications can cause side effects. These may include feeling agitated, nausea, dizziness or changes in your sleep patterns. It’s important to discuss any concerns or side effects with your doctor so they can adjust your treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to report any troubling symptoms.
- Suicide risk: Some antidepressants carry a black box warning about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, especially for young adults. It’s critical to closely monitor your mood and seek help if you experience any concerning symptoms.
- Interactions with other substances: Inform your doctor about any other medications, supplements or herbs you’re taking to avoid potentially dangerous interactions.
- Discontinuation syndrome: Stopping medication suddenly can lead to withdrawal-like symptoms. Work with your doctor to taper off medication gradually if needed.
Whether you’re undergoing therapy for OCD or taking medication, it’s essential to be patient. Improvement usually doesn’t happen overnight. It can take several months before you notice a difference.
Additional Treatment Options
For those who don’t respond to more conventional OCD treatments, other options may be appropriate, including any of the following:
- Intensive outpatient and residential programs: Such programs provide comprehensive treatment, often focusing on ERP therapy principles, for people with severe OCD symptoms.
- Deep brain stimulation: DBS involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain to control impulses associated with OCD. It’s typically reserved for individuals who haven’t responded to other treatments.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation: TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain and is an option for individuals who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments.
Challenges in Current Treatments
Traditional therapies for OCD often involve exposing patients to anxiety-inducing situations, such as touching contaminated objects and resisting the urge to wash their hands.
However, these approaches can be highly stressful and may not be suitable for everyone. Many individuals with OCD find it challenging to confront their fears directly, hindering the effectiveness of these treatments.
Recent research has shed new light on the underlying mechanisms of OCD and potential avenues for treatment. Studies have revealed that individuals with OCD exhibit differences in their perception of self compared to those without the disorder. Specifically, they seem to have a more malleable sense of self, which could provide valuable insights into the condition and its treatment.
The Rubber Hand Illusion: A Key Insight
One fascinating experiment involved inducing the rubber hand illusion in both individuals with and without OCD. In this illusion, participants perceive a fake hand as their own when it is stroked synchronously with their real hand. Remarkably, individuals with OCD showed a heightened susceptibility to this illusion, even when the stroking was out of sync.
This suggests that their sense of self is more fluid, allowing them to accept conflicting sensory inputs and perceive the fake hand as their own.
Implications for Treatment
These findings open up new possibilities for treating OCD. One promising approach, known as multisensory stimulation therapy, involves contaminating a rubber hand instead of directly exposing patients to aversive stimuli. By repeatedly exposing individuals to this contaminated fake hand, therapists aim to desensitize them to their OCD triggers in a less anxiety-provoking manner.
Vicarious Desensitization: A Novel Strategy
Another innovative strategy involves using vicarious experiences to desensitize individuals with OCD. Watching videos of oneself engaging in activities that trigger OCD symptoms, such as touching contaminated objects or washing hands, could help reduce compulsive behaviors over time. This approach offers a less intimidating alternative to traditional exposure therapy, potentially making treatment more accessible to those who struggle with direct confrontation of their fears.
Supporting Your Therapeutic Approach
No matter what route you choose for treatment, there are some key things you should do on your own to complement your treatment plan. Here are just a few:
- Practice what you learn: Work with your mental health professional to develop coping strategies and practice them regularly.
- Take medications as directed: Even if you’re feeling well, continue taking your medications as prescribed to prevent symptoms from returning.
- Pay attention to warning signs: Be aware of triggers that can exacerbate your symptoms and have a plan in place to address them.
Coping and Support
Coping with OCD can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help, like any of the following:
- Learn about OCD: Educating yourself about your condition can empower you to better manage your symptoms.
- Stay focused on your goals: Remember that recovery from OCD is an ongoing process, and stay committed to your treatment plan.
- Join a support group: Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can provide valuable support and encouragement.
- Find healthy outlets: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
Also read: What to Do When Someone Insults You?
Looking Ahead
Living with OCD can be challenging, but effective treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. By working closely with a mental health professional and exploring various treatment options, individuals with OCD can find relief and regain control over their lives.
To be certain, OCD presents a complex interplay between the mind and body, challenging our understanding of reality and perception. As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of this disorder, novel treatment approaches offer hope for those seeking relief from its debilitating symptoms.
By leveraging insights into the brain’s perception of self and innovative therapeutic techniques, we may finally be able to provide effective relief for individuals living with OCD.
