When comparing treatment options for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, we really have to assess what is best for the individual circumstances of the person seeking help. As a condition that differs considerably amongst various people, there are unique types of symptoms to look out for. Some different types of symptoms are:
- Hygiene related – Such as excessive hand-washing, and an irrational fear of bacterial infection.
- Numerical – An obsessive need for counting and quantifying objects, or a strong dislike of odd-numbers.
- Organizational – For example, always requiring a perfectly organized desk / work space and continually needing to place certain objects in their correct position.
The severity of OCD may also vary a great deal. Another factor to be taken into account is the age-group of the individual being assessed. When we consider all these diverse factors and variations, and then also consider that such a broad variety of treatment choices exist, we can conclude that it is not wise to rush into this decision. Rather, we should take a look at all the options carefully, evaluate the pros and cons, then make a carefully considered decision. This is ideally done with the advice of a health care professional – preferably a experienced doctor, with specific knowledge of OCD.
Benefits of Healthy Living for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
A simple technique that works well when combined with traditional OCD treatments is working on increasing your general physical health. Things like consuming a healthier diet, improving sleep patterns and exercising frequently are all methods to achieve this. Though this simple method is often overlooked, it is crucial to realise that obsessive compulsive disorder is an anxiety-disorder, and is triggered by stress-related thoughts. By generally increasing your health and well-being, you are able to increase your tolerance to stress thus reducing the instances of symptoms. Dietary supplements like Inositol are also helpful for this goal, as most people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder possess a lack of this naturally occurring carbohydrate in their bodies.
Medication
Medication is a crucial therapy choice for some people, but really shouldn’t be opted for as the first choice for treatment. Typically the kinds of pills that are used for OCD are strong anti-depressants, and may be accompanied by quite significant side-effects. Apart from nausea, insomnia and headaches, they are known to cause a restrictive effect on sexual function and capacity to reach climax. This isn’t to say meds aren’t useful in certain situations – in fact, for a lot of people suffering OCD these medicines are the only way they are able to get through each day. It’s always recommended though to trial alternative OCD management strategies before using these strong anti-depressants, and if you do choose to, follow doctors’ advice to the letter.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is really a technique which can be a good starting option for many individuals seeking help. The reason for this is because it doesn’t entail taking medication of any type. Rather it is a counselling technique that essentially tries to train the mind to use constructive, positive reactions when exposed to the type of events that trigger OCD – instead of falling back on those negative responses.
The main disadvantage of cognitive behavioural treatment is the fact that it does involve quite a hefty time commitment, and requires a long-term sustained effort to really see progress. This is because the very nature of CBT is about positive reinforcement: going over those situations that trigger the OCD again and again. You assess how you handled that scenario, and compare that to how you should have handled it, if you been thinking rationally. Eventually, the thought patterns that emerge from this treatment actually help people to understand what they’re doing wrong and ways they can reduce the instance of symptoms. The most effective way to administer a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy plan is under the care of a medical professional, though if that alternative is not available for any reason you can actually find self-help CBT work-books that can be effective when utilized properly.
In any case, try to maintain a treatment diary of what works and what doesn’t for you, and don’t give up. It may just be a case of trying another treatment or method before you find that relief you are looking for.