How to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder?

when to see doctor?

If your obsessions and compulsions are affecting your quality of life, see your doctor or mental health professional.

Treatment

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can be treated. The treatment recommended will depend on how much it's affecting your life.

The two therapies are:

Psychotherapy - usually a form of treatment that helps you deal with your fears and anxieties without putting you in a difficult position.

Medication - usually a type of antidepressant medicine that can help by altering the chemical balance in your brain

A short course of treatment is often recommended with mild OCD. If you have severe OCD, you may need a longer course of treatment and / or medication.

These treatments can be very effective, but it is important to know that it can take a few months before you realize the benefits.

Medicine

You may need medicine if psychological therapy does not help treat your OCD, or if your OCD is fairly severe.

The main medicines prescribed are a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs). An SSRI can help improve OCD symptoms by increasing the levels of a chemical called serotonin in your brain.

You may need to take an SSRI 12 weeks before you can see any benefits.

Most people need treatment for at least a year. You may be able to stop if you have few symptoms or no problems after this time, although some people need to take an SSRI for many years.

Do not stop taking an SSRI without talking to your doctor first because a sudden stop can cause serious side effects. Treatment will be stopped gradually to reduce the chances of getting side effects. Your dose may need to be increased again when your symptoms return.