A situation where your mind is bombarded with unwanted thoughts- sounds uncomfortable?
These are obsessions.
Feeling an uncontrollable urge to act upon these thoughts?
These are compulsions.
When this issue starts to meddle with your daily lives and social interactions, it is deemed as a disorder. Obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD is a significant psychological condition characterized by majorly deviated thought processes and compulsivity to act on these thoughts.
The condition can be moderate to severe in nature before it actually starts having a significant impact on the client’s life. Usually, the condition is chronic and manageable through continuous OCD treatment and medication.
Prevalence of OCD
According to statistics, the average age of onset for this disorder is around 19 years. The symptoms usually show up around adolescence or early adulthood. If identified in time, OCD therapy and treatment can be started at the earliest to reduce its effects.
Observable Symptoms of OCD
There are some easily observable symptoms that are clear indicators of the onset. One should seek immediate OCD therapy & treatment to control & manage the situation
- Interference of obsessions and compulsions with normal activities.
- Unwanted thoughts and images
- Fear of a specific object/situation
Some common examples of obsessions are-
- Fear of coming in contact with germs
- Impulsive behaviors like violence and unprecedented acts
- Making mistakes
- Concerns with doing what is right and wrong
- Doubts arising in my mind
- Need for order & perfection
- Needing constant reassurance
Some examples of compulsions are-
- Arranging items in some specific manner
- Repeatedly checking for things
- Constantly waiting for someone
- Taking calculated steps and certain destinations
How to approach Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment?
OCD treatment can be a mixture of different psychotherapeutic modalities and holistic approaches that can help the clients manage the symptoms for their care. Under Dr. Gorav Gupta who is considered as one of the best psychiatrist in Delhi, you can approach your problem resolution in the best care possible.
Some of the methods to approach treatment are discussed here-
Cognitive Behavioral Treatment
A mainstream form of psychotherapy, this is first in line consideration for resolving and managing issues inflicted by OCD. Under the guidance of a trained professional from our experienced staff, the clients receive very in-depth CBT sessions where the focus is solely on their maladaptive thoughts, behaviors and feelings. These aspects are made clear and put into the knowledge of the client to make them approach the treatment process in a positive manner. The client begins to understand their maladaptive (obsessive) thoughts that bring a change in their behavior (compulsions), making the disorder manageable in the long run.
Exposure and Response Prevention
A very highly responsive treatment plan, exposure and response prevention is a transformative step in obsessive compulsive treatment. In this therapy, the client is exposed to the stimuli that they have obsessive thoughts about and then they are accustomed to not responding to the stimuli to abstain from compulsive behavior. By staying in a negative situation that raises anxiety but without any negative outcomes, the clients slowly learn the behavior and manage their OCD symptoms well since their thoughts never turn into reality.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Another form of CBT, the name suggests its work. The clients are made aware of their thoughts and a level of acceptance is developed for a period of time. After a certain level of acceptance is established, the thoughts lose their power and the client starts to commit to this role. This therapy not only establishes harmony, but also a sense of meaningfulness in the lives of clients.
Medication
- As an experienced psychiatrist, a wide selection of medications are at our discretion for the client’s issues. We follow a very personalized approach which marks the dynamics for the treatment journey. Some of the common medications prescribed to manage OCD are-
- Fluoxetine
- Paroxetine
- Fluvoxamine
- Sertraline
- There are a wide range of medications like SRI ( Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) & tricyclic antidepressants that can help alleviate the symptoms. The dose, duration and suitability of these medicines vary from client to client.
Deep TMS for OCD
As pioneers in invasive methods, our state of the art lab is equipped with high-end invasive tools. In cases of non-responsive treatments, Deep TMS has proved its effectiveness in dealing and controlling cases of severe OCD.
Looking for treatment plans? We’re here to help.
OCD is a manageable condition. Overall, the condition of each OCD affected client can defer in every manner. With an experienced staff and guidance of one of the best psychiatrists in Delhi Dr. Gorav Gupta, we can determine the best treatment plan that works well for you.
Mental health concerns can be very taxing, but with our facility, we are determined to help you reach the mark of a healthy lifestyle.
