Understanding OCD Treatments: A Guide to Effective Therapies

OCD stands for "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder," a debilitating mental condition marked by intrusive and distressing thoughts which the patient struggles to be rid of. Psychiatrists have developed a number of different treatments, which vary depending on the individual needs of the patient.

Cognitive Therapy

• Cognitive therapy from a licensed therapist explores the psychological roots of the patient's obsession. Once they are identified, the traumas associated with them can be resolved.

Behavioral Therapy

• While cognitive therapy focuses on the past, behavioral therapy concentrates on the present. It teaches the patient to identify the thought patterns leading to the obsessive-compulsive behavior and replace them with healthier ways of thinking.

Desensitization

• Some therapists may advocate desensitization, which means gradually exposing the patient to the source of his obsessive thoughts under controlled conditions in order to resolve his fears of them.

Medication

• Antidepressants such as Prozac and Paxil are often prescribed to OCD patients. They help regulate the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, stabilizing the patient's emotions.

Yoga

• Yoga and deep breathing exercises work to focus the mind, reducing stress and lowering anxiety. They can be extremely helpful in dealing with OCD.