Treatment Options for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD can feel overwhelming, scary, and even shameful. The great news is we have highly effective treatment options available! OCD can be managed through mental health counseling and/or medication.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy
Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) is one of the leading therapeutic approaches used to effectively treat OCD. ERP consists of 15-25 sessions of working with a therapist weekly to do exposure work and practice response prevention in session. Daily homework is assigned to help practice implementing ERP skills regularly. ERP is different than traditional talk therapy and requires regular in session practice of exposure and response prevention skills for best results. Clients often experience a decrease in symptoms related to OCD, anxiety, and depression while improving their quality of life.
Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)
Inference-Based CBT helps individuals identify the "inferences" they make about situations. Inferences are the conclusions we draw from the information we have. Sometimes, these inferences can be inaccurate or overly negative, which can lead to emotional distress and unhelpful behaviors.
The therapy involves working with a trained therapist who guides you to recognize these unhelpful inferences and challenge them. You'll learn to look at the evidence for and against your beliefs and develop more balanced and realistic ways of thinking. By changing these thought patterns, people can often improve their emotional well-being and make more positive choices in their lives.
Medication
SSRIs tend to be the go-to for OCD treatment. People with OCD often have to take medication at a higher dosage and for longer periods of time to receive the same benefit from medication management as those without OCD.
The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) has a great resource for future reference related to the medications for OCD. You can access their information here: https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/treatment/meds/
