Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can be treated.
The 2 main treatment types are:
- psychological therapy - helps you understand OCD and learn new ways of coping
- medicine - usually an antidepressant, to change the balance of chemicals in your brain
One or both of these may be best for you. Your GP will help you decide.
Psychological therapy
The most effective treatment for OCD is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you manage your difficulties by changing your thinking patterns. This can help you cope better with your OCD symptoms.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a type of CBT that is used to treat OCD. You learn to understand the triggers for your thoughts and behaviours.
It involves gradually confronting your obsessive thoughts without engaging in compulsive behaviours. This helps reduce your anxiety over time.
You start with situations that cause you the least anxiety first. You do this before moving on to more difficult thoughts. This is called graded exposure.
The treatment can be difficult and may sound frightening. But people do get better.
Medicine
You may need medicine as well as psychological therapy.
The main types of medicine used for treating OCD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These can help by increasing the levels of a chemical called serotonin in your brain.
You may need to take the medicine for 12 weeks before you notice any effect.
There's a very small chance that SSRIs could cause you to have suicidal thoughts or want to self-harm. Most side effects improve after a few weeks as your body gets used to the medicine.
Urgent advice: Contact your GP or go to your nearest emergency department (ED) if:
- you have suicidal thoughts or the urge to self-harm
Further treatment
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist OCD service if other treatments have not worked.
Your GP or therapist can provide information about support groups in your area.
OCD support groups can:
- give emotional support and coping advice
- reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation
- give you a chance to socialise with others
- give you information and advice for your family and friends
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE