Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Calida Rehab Centre offers the best OCD treatment in India. From sexual OCD treatment to OCD treatment without medication, patients have access to the best obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment in India at the facility. Without support and dedicated OCD disorder treatment, compulsive behaviour may increasingly dominate thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

About 0.32%

of the world’s population lives with Schizophrenia.

1 in 222

people will develop Schizophrenia in their lifetime.

80%

Patients show significant improvement with early, continuous treatment and rehabilitation.

50–60%

Treatment gap in India — many patients still don’t receive proper psychiatric care.

Introduction

Many people think liking cleanliness or organising one’s life entails having Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. However, this mental health ailment is far more complex. People experience obsessions that trigger anxiety and perform compulsive tasks to ease these responses. Patients may also try to avoid triggers or use substances to cope with this consequential anxiety.

Read on to learn more about obsessive-compulsive disorder causes and treatment.

Understanding OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder involves the presence of unwanted and intrusive thoughts in a patient’s mind. Such urges create anxiety disrupting the life of a person. Patients feel compelled to perform repetitive rituals such as checking, counting, cleaning and so on. Such behaviour is rigid, time-consuming and interferes with daily life.

As opposed to ordinary old habits, OCD thoughts are persistent. Lack of completion of these rituals causes intense fear and discomfort. Many patients suffering from OCD fail to acknowledge that their thoughts are unrealistic. However, it is only after proper diagnosis that they realise they are struggling with obsessions and compulsions.

Myths and Misconceptions of OCD

1. People fond of cleanliness have OCD.

Affects only a small percentage of the population. The ailment requires a professional diagnosis based on a detailed history and mental health assessment.

2. People who are organised have OCD.

Intrusive thoughts and compulsions disrupt a person’s life. They have a strong urge to control everything which hampers their functioning.

3. OCD, to some extent, is beneficial.

No. Suffering from Compulsive Disorder is not beneficial in any way. It causes distress, wastes time and interferes with the overall well-being of a patient.

4. OCD is just a quirk.

OCD is a serious mental disorder. Visible behaviours stem from deeper compulsions and an internal source of distress.

5. OCD is lifelong

OCD is treatable. The severity of symptoms may vary depending on the age a person develops it. The ailment could be influenced by age, culture and even experiences.

6. Stress causes OCD

Stress can worsen OCD but not cause it. Factors like genetics, psychological traits and social difficulties could be contributing factors.

Causes of OCD

OCD is a complex problem with multiple possible causes. Therefore, the cause of developing OCD can vary from person to person. However, research shows the following factors could be contributing factors:

Personality Traits

Certain specific traits like indecisiveness, orderliness and impulsivity make a person more prone to OCD. A serious sense of responsibility and neuroticism can increase the risk of OCD but do not directly cause it. These traits may influence the symptoms and affect a person’s ability to connect with others.

Biological Reasons

Certain theories link Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to serotonin imbalance. Brain differences and genetic make-up of a person can also be contributing factors. However, no particular reason has been identified.

Personal Experiences

Traumatic childhood events and continuous exposure to stressful situations develop symptoms of OCD in a person. Learned behaviour from anxious or compulsive parents also contributes to the symptoms. At certain times, patients also develop OCD during pregnancy or after childhood which is called Perinatal OCD.

Signs and Symptoms of OCD

Obsessions are defined as intrusive and irrational thoughts. Some fears create intense anxiety in a person. Patients struggle to control these thoughts despite knowing that these thoughts are unreal.

Common obsessions include fear of germs, having repeated doubts and fixation on order or symmetry. Some patients experience an obsession with violent and sexual thoughts. Such situations create a conflict between personal morals and religious beliefs.
Compulsions are repetitive actions. For instance, excessive washing of hands, constant checking or following rigid routines are some of the most potent signs of OCD. Patients become paranoid which disrupts their routine and exhausts them.

What Is The Best Treatment For OCD?

With proper obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment, most patients see reduced symptoms and experience better functioning. While therapy helps them perform better in life, relationships also improve.

Along with offering OCD intrusive thoughts treatment, mental health experts also offer a dedicated sexual OCD treatment. Here is what makes Calida Rehab Centre the best place for obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment in India:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps a patient alter unhelpful thoughts. Patients can control their reactions and behaviour patterns. Therapists train them to manage their obsessions and compulsions effectively.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP therapy is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy. One of the most effective forms of therapy, it enables patients to face their worst fears. Patients learn that when facing situations without performing their rituals, anxiety fades away.

Mental health experts counsel them that feared outcomes do not always occur as before. Therapists create step-by-step exposure plans, practised in sessions and at home.

Patients are gradually moved from easier to harder challenges. They gain confidence over time and their compulsions are reduced. They have benefited from additional cognitive techniques like restructuring unhelpful thoughts and more.

OCD Treatment Medication

SSRIs are a primary OCD treatment, proven to be more effective than most medicines. Common options include fluoxetine, sertraline and escitalopram. OCD often requires higher doses and at least 12 weeks for improvement to be evident.

Side effects of the medication are usually mild, but experts at Calida Rehab Centre administer the dosage carefully. Antidepressants could be prescribed as part of obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment. These may cause headaches, dizziness and tiredness.

Although these symptoms disappear after a few weeks, consulting a doctor is essential. The dosage must only be reduced gradually and only under professional supervision. If one SSRI is not enough, switching or adding another medication may help the symptoms improve. However, these medications are not habit-forming or addictive in any sense.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Self-Treatment

Patients can improve their own obsessive-compulsive disorder causes and treatment with helpful self-care strategies. Patients are taught to refocus their attention through exercises and activities to delay compulsions. They have to jot down their obsessive thoughts and recognise repetitive patterns.

Mental health experts at Calida Rehab Centre train patients to manage OCD treatment without medicines. Patients anticipate urges by performing tasks mindfully the first time. Once done, it makes it easier for them to label urges as obsessive thoughts. Patients are encouraged to set a worry period to postpone their intrusive thoughts until that time of day.

When it comes to OCD treatment without medication, patients must learn to manage their stress and avoid triggers strongly and smartly. Practising relaxation strategies like deep breathing and doing yoga for 30 minutes a day can help reduce anxiety efficiently. The aim of this obsessive-compulsive disorder self-treatment is to support independent coping mechanisms of patients without professional help.

Emotional Support From Family

Mental health experts at Calida Rehab Centre allow the family to help patients. Despite having access to the best doctor for OCD treatment in India, mental health experts encourage families of patients to participate in the treatment.

To prevent relapse, members of a family are encouraged to show patience and encouragement. Loved ones are encouraged to learn about OCD treatment without medication and to encourage healthy habits. Techniques like using code words for distress and celebrating small achievements make it the best treatment for OCD.

Maintaining empathy and focusing on a person’s strengths is essential. Strengths of a person must always be focused on and taking care of one’s own well-being is also important. Families play a crucial role in providing consistent and compassionate support throughout recovery.

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Treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our treatment programs, admission process, and what to expect during your recovery journey

What is the best treatment for OCD?

The best treatment for OCD includes psychotherapy with proper medication. Patients must be counselled regularly and given appropriate medication depending on their condition. Patients must be provided with emotional support from family and mental health experts. A healthy and nutritious diet with physical activity is also essential.

How to overcome OCD at home?

To overcome OCD at home, patients must accept their problem. They must inform their loved ones regarding their condition and seek medical help. In case they are not able to go to any facility for support, rehab centres like Calida Rehab Centre offer online consultation. Patients can seek counselling from the comfort of their homes and overcome this ailment.

How does OCD start?

When a habit turns into an obsession and a way to deal with stress, that is when OCD often starts. Patients start performing repetitive actions or mental rituals that are hard to stop. Genes, altered brain chemistry and learned patterns contribute to the condition.

Is OCD part of anxiety?

OCD and anxiety are interrelated. However, they are considered separate conditions with dedicated treatments. OCD is characterised by an obsession with repetitive behaviours leading to anxiety. However, not everyone with anxiety has OCD. The two conditions have diverse respective signs and symptoms.

How to stop OCD thoughts naturally?

Patients can stop OCD thoughts naturally by meditating and practising yoga. They need to follow the routine framed by counsellors and attend appointments regularly. Whether online or offline, patients can treat OCD without any medication by taking psychotherapy seriously.