Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a serious mental health condition that can affect someone for many years of their life. You may know this about it, but do you know if there is a cure for OCD? There are many things that you may be wondering about when it comes to OCD, and this article can answer some of these questions for you. Keep reading for details on OCD and information on treatments concerning this disorder.
OCD
OCD is a disorder that causes people to experience thoughts that are unwanted and often will not go away. They may also feel like they have to complete tasks as a result of these thoughts and ideas that they experience.
Symptoms
Here is a look at the symptoms.
Obsessions
The term for the thoughts and ideas that people with OCD experience are known as obsessions. They generally consist of ideas that show up suddenly and won’t go away. Sometimes these ideas are disturbing or violent in nature. For instance, a person may see pictures of violence in their heads or think that people they know aren’t telling them the truth. Moreover, they may start to believe that there are germs everywhere. The thoughts that occur with obsessions do not have to be true, but the person experiencing them will likely believe that they are.
Compulsions
Compulsions are the other major symptom related to OCD. Compulsions are actions or rituals that a person will start to do in response to their obsessions. They may decide to clean everything numerous times in their home, count things everywhere they go, or organize all their belongings.
A person experiencing OCD usually spends a lot of time each day on these obsessions and compulsions, which is the reason why it can be so impactful to their daily lives.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to OCD, take this OCD test to find learn more about the next step you should take.
Can OCD Be Cured?
There is no cure for OCD. However, that doesn’t mean that there is no hope out there. There are numerous treatment options that are designed to treat OCD, and many people have seen their symptoms decrease. They also see less of an impact in their routine as they go through treatment. If you are experiencing OCD, be sure to reach out for help when you need it.
Is OCD Treatable?
OCD is a treatable disorder. This condition has been studied for over 50 years, and there has been progress made regarding treatment options available.
6 Facts About Treatment Options
- Psychotherapy Is Used To Treat OCD. One option that is used to treat OCD is therapy. This consists of a person sitting down and talking to a therapist. The therapist can choose from a few different techniques when it comes to helping someone learn how to get through their anxiety related to obsessions and compulsions, as well as learning how to think differently. One facet that people that experience OCD may find out during the treatment process is that it can be difficult to trust the things that they are thinking. Therapy may help them cope with this aspect of the condition.
- Medicines Are Also Prescribed. Medicines are also utilized to treat OCD. This is because many people with OCD have symptoms that can be controlled through the use of certain prescriptions. There are a few types of medicines that are often used based on the symptoms present, and it can take quite a while for them to work. At the same time, this doesn’t mean that they aren’t working, so be patient if you are placed on specific medicine. Side effects may be an issue when you are taking medicines too. Be sure to tell your therapist if you feel that you are experiencing side effects so that this issue can be remedied.
- Sometimes Group Or Family Therapy Is Necessary. Sometimes it is necessary for the entire family to be present during a number of therapy sessions when treating OCD. When a family can come together to support the person experiencing OCD, they may have a better chance of seeing their symptoms improve. Moreover, they will have the support of their family, who will likely be able to understand some of what they are going through. The Indian Journal of Psychiatryreports that when family therapy is used, it may improve how a person with OCD functions.
- In Many Cases, Both Therapy And Medicines Are Used. A treatment plan that consists of both things is more well-rounded and may be able to address more of the symptoms that are being experienced.
- Treatment May Go On For Years. People that experience OCD may have the disorder for many years since it is unlikely to go away. However, when they can follow a treatment plan, they may see results that allow them to work, go to school, and have a social life. Of course, this plan will sometimes need to be followed for quite a while, so present symptoms can be addressed, and so a person may be able to start to trust their thoughts and decision-making skills.
- While Treatment Helps, There Is No OCD Cure. There are multiple treatment options to be aware of, but they must be tailored to a person’s experiences and symptoms. This means that there’s no secret on how to cure OCD. Even with an effective treatment in place, symptoms can show up again when stress is present, which is something that is talked about in a 2016 study. There are also other types of treatments available that you can discuss with your mental health professional. Each person’s OCD is different, so it may need to be treated in a slightly different way as well.
Other Things To Know
Many people that experience OCD will experience it for many years. It is considered to be a chronic disease. However, this doesn’t mean that it can’t be treated and managed in a significant way.
There are also times when treatment plans do not seem to work at all. When this happens, it could mean that a person has OCD but also has another type of condition. If this is the case, they will need to be treated for both conditions to see an improvement concerning their OCD symptoms.
Keep in mind that even though OCD cured permanently is not something that has happened yet, this doesn’t mean that a person with OCD will be unable to see an improvement once they start treatment. There are many things that a therapist will be able to teach them. These lessons can be utilized in their daily life, and in some cases, a doctor will even give the patient assignments, so they are actively working on their OCD treatment each day. This is something that can make a big difference. Be sure to take your time with these assignments and be honest with your doctor about your care. You don’t have to be ashamed of your symptoms when there is support out there for you to take advantage of.
Something else to consider is keeping a notebook of the things that are happening to you. When you write down your thoughts and symptoms, it may be easier to note the things that are triggering your obsessions or compulsions. Talk to your doctor about this as well, since they should be able to give you advice on what type of important information to keep track of.
As you are going through treatment, you should also start taking care of yourself. Plan out your meals, so you can try to eat a balanced diet, get enough rest at night, and start to exercise. These things are beneficial for your body, may help keep you healthy, and might be able to aid you in dealing with stress.
Outlook
Everyone may have an obsessive thought or a compulsion to do something every now and then. This, by itself, does not mean that you have OCD. This disorder involves having thoughts that keep showing up and completing tasks that take up a lot of your time. A doctor will need to see that your rituals are taking up a chunk of your time, at least one hour each day, before you can be diagnosed with OCD. Once you are, don’t think that you will have to feel the same way for the rest of your life.
When you follow a treatment plan, some of your symptoms can start to improve, and you may be able to deal with other symptoms by using techniques that you learned in therapy. Make sure you stick with your treatment to see what it can do for you. Reach out for mental health support when you need it and keep an open dialogue with your therapist. These things may make a big difference.
