Medical Keywords - Everything you need to know about health.

Facts Concerning Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

In recent years there have been effective treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder that have had an effective lessening of symptoms bringing relief to those who suffer from the disorder. These treatments are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SRIs). These medications and therapy have allowed those who suffer from OCD to once again regain some semblance of control over their lives and lead productive lives by managing the obsessive and or compulsive thoughts, images or behaviors that have brought such destruction in the past.

Psychiatrist depend on their ability to assess the age of the patient and to evaluate the symptoms they are experiencing as well as to ask key questions in order to correctly determine the best course of action for each individual patient.

The first step in successfully treating OCD is to educate the patient, his/her family about OCD and the available treatment plans. The treatment plan will likely involve cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) and medication with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI)

There are two stages of treatment; the acute treatment phase and the maintenance treatment phase. The acute treatment phase involves ending the current occurrences of OCD. The maintenance treatment phase involves preventing future episodes of OCD from occurring.

The three elements of treatment are: education, psychotherapy and medication. Education is vital for helping both the patient and his/her family to learn how to manage OCD and to help prevent complications from occurring. Psychotherapy (CBT) is a necessary key to managing OCD and a vital part of treatment for most patients of OCD. Medication with serotonin reuptake inhibitor is proven to be helpful in managing OCD symptoms. The three elements must work hand in hand for an effective management of the symptoms of OCD.

Anyone with a mental illness or disorder needs to become an expert on their particular illness or disease. You can educate yourself by reading books, attending lectures and seminars, by talking to your psychiatrist or medical doctor and your therapist. Another good source is the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation.

Your psychiatrist, medical doctor or therapist are all excellent sources of information regarding your particular case. They can also direct your to other sources of information and community support groups. It si important to form a relationship with those who are careing for your OCD. You should know when it is important to make an appointment.

These important times for appointment making include:

Anytime you experience a recurrent severe OCD symptom, especially if it seems to come out-of-nowhere.

Anytime an OCD symptom seems to worsen or does not respond to therapy.

Anytime you experience a change in side effect from your medication.

You experience new symptoms of another disorder (depression, panic)

You experience a new stressor or crisis (job change, relationship loss)

It is imperative that you continue your treatment as it is much more difficult to get symptoms under control than it is to keep the control going, so don't stop the treatment once you have started.