Medically reviewed by Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS on March 16, 2020

OCD treatment

Treatment¹⁵ for obsessive-compulsive disorder may not necessarily result in a cure. Some people need to continue with treatment for their entire lives. However, successful treatment can help you manage your thoughts, impulses, and behaviors so they don’t severely impact your daily life.

Medications for OCD

The two most common treatments for OCD are psychotherapy (in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy) and medication. In many cases, patients see the most success when treatment uses a combination of these two approaches.

May be prescribed

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Psychotherapy for OCD

The form of therapy often used to treat OCD is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). One type of CBT, called exposure and response prevention (ERP), is particularly effective for people with OCD.

ERP involves gradually exposing someone with OCD to a feared object or obsession, like dirt or perceived germs, and learning techniques to cope with the resulting anxiety in a healthy way. While this type of therapy takes time and effort, it can help you manage and live more successfully with your obsessions and compulsions.

Diagnosis

Related Conditions

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Characterized by chronic, excessive, and often unrealistic anxieties about aspects of life, work, relationships, finances, etc.

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

A condition of persistent and intense stress triggered by severe psychological shock, typically involving disturbed sleep and vivid recall of a traumatic injury or intensely negative experience.

Panic Disorder

A type of anxiety disorder that causes panic attacks—sudden, intense episodes of fear or anxiety accompanied by physical symptoms.

Social Anxiety Disorder

A type of anxiety disorder characterized by intense anxiety, fear, or avoidance of social situations rooted in feelings of embarrassment, self-consciousness, and fears of being judged negatively.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1–800–273–8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

You may also reach out to the Samaritans: Call or text (877) 870-HOPE (4673).

Disclaimer: The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.

If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

References