The treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, known as OCD, is done with the use of antidepressant drugs, cognitive-behavioral therapy or a combination of both. Although it does not always cure the disease, this treatment is able to control symptoms well in most cases, improving the quality of life of the person living with this problem.
If a person has symptoms that indicate this disorder, such as compulsion or obsession with cleanliness, symmetry, repetitive behavior or excessive superstition, for example, he should consult a psychiatrist, for correct assessment, diagnosis and, thus, receive the indication of the most appropriate treatment.. Check out the main symptoms and learn how to identify OCD.
1. Use of medicines
Treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder based on the use of medication should be recommended by a psychiatrist, and antidepressants are generally indicated for both adults and children. Some of the most used medications include:
- Clomipramine; Paroxetine; Fluoxetine; Sertraline; Citalopram.
These remedies must be used daily, and their effect can take about 6 to 12 weeks to take effect, and therefore, every 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, the psychiatrist can make reevaluations and consider the need to increase the dose.
Some people may need high doses of the drugs, which causes a greater chance of side effects, which can include nausea, dizziness and drowsiness. If the effects are very intense, it is necessary to talk to the doctor to assess the possibility of changing the medication.
2. Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is the most suitable psychotherapy approach for the treatment of OCD, being essential to reduce anxiety attacks and control the behavior caused by the disease.
This therapy is characterized by helping a person to identify beliefs and thoughts that cause obsessive behaviors. In this way, the psychologist, when listening to the speech of the person with OCD, can help to create ways to better deal with the situations, reducing the episodes of compulsion and obsession.
The sessions of this therapy can be performed in an office and last about 50 minutes, the number of sessions and the period of treatment will depend on the degree of OCD. See more about how cognitive behavioral therapy works.
3. Natural treatment
Natural treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder can be done through therapy sessions that involve relaxation and meditation techniques such as yoga, shiatsu and reiki . Acupuncture may also be indicated, which consists of applying small needles in specific places to improve symptoms of anxiety, which worsen OCD.
In addition, the practice of regular physical activities, such as walking, is an excellent ally for reducing stress and anxiety.
Paying attention to the diet is important, as there are foods with properties that help control anxiety and increase the feeling of well-being, such as peanuts, bananas, oats and passion fruit leaf tea, for example. Check out diet tips to combat stress and anxiety.
4. Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery is a type of surgery performed on the brain and is only indicated for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder for more severe cases, in which medications and cognitive behavioral therapy do not improve symptoms.
Neuromodulation therapy is a type of non-invasive treatment, that is, it does not use cuts, which has effects similar to neurosurgery, however, studies are still being developed to understand the application of this type of therapy in the treatment of OCD.
