Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

To learn more

• National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org or 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264)

• Mental Health America at www.mhanational.org or 800-969-6642

• International OCD Foundation at www.iocdf.org or 617-973-5801 

• National Institute of Mental Health at www.nimh.nih.gov or 866-615-6464

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

This type of therapy can help you change unwanted thought patterns. You’ll also learn to control compulsive actions. Working with your therapist, you’ll confront your unwanted thoughts and fears, one step at a time. For most people with OCD, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first treatment choice. CBT using exposure and response prevention is also an effective treatment choice.

Family therapy

OCD may also affect your loved ones. They may be impatient, confused, or angered by your symptoms. Often, they may want to help but don’t know what to do. A family therapist can help them learn more about OCD. They may also find comfort in an OCD support group.

Medicine

Medicines that treat depression may also help control the symptoms of OCD. These medicines don’t cure the disorder, but they can provide some relief. It may take at least 3 weeks for them to work. After you feel better, don’t stop taking them on your own or increase or decrease the dose. If you do, your symptoms will likely come back, or you could have serious withdrawal symptoms or side effects.

Also keep in mind that, no matter the dose, most medicines can have side effects. If you’re troubled by side effects, tell the doctor who prescribed the medicine. They may change the dose or type of medicine to help relieve the side effect symptoms. Never increase or decrease your dose unless you talk with your doctor.