Crucial Indicators Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder In Adults And Children

Treatments And Preventative Measures For OCD

There is no cure for OCD, but early diagnosis and treatment can limit the amount of time a patient obsesses over their rituals each day. Relief can come through cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), sometimes paired with antidepressant medications. CBT is a combination of exposure and response therapy (ERP) and cognitive therapy (CT). ERP begins with the therapist designing exposures and challenges to put children in situations to trigger obsessions. During the exposures, children must avoid performing their compulsive rituals for more extended periods. CT is the second technique involved in cognitive behavioral therapy. It helps children with identifying and modifying thoughts that can cause anxiety and stress. Stress management goes a long way with treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, as better managing stress levels can reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms. Forty to sixty percent of OCD patients respond well to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Of those who do, forty to fifty percent see a reduction in their symptoms.

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