Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD), like many mental health afflictions, has different degrees of severity. Some individuals afflicted with this disorder, are able to maintain normal levels of functioning. This would include being successful at work, have few conflicts at home due to the disorder, and enjoy a good standing in the community. Few, if any people may suspect that person having OCD. Other individuals, due to the disorder, may not be able to leave their homes or function in any structured environment.
The severity of the disorder will dictate course of treatment. Medication, in most cases, would be the starting point. Since this is a very complex disorder, it is recommended you seek out a psychiatrist for medication management as opposed to a Primary care Physician. This is a diagnosis that falls under a speciality and should be addressed by someone who specializes in this.
Talk therapy is also recommended. During therapy, the patient is encouraged to desensitize themselves to the ritual or thought that is creating the challenge. The continued exposure to the stimuli eventually will eventually lessen the urge to continue with the thought or ritual. Stress management, relaxation techniques, and challenging thoughts and beliefs that contribute to the disorder should be utilized in talk therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been found to be effective with this disorder, in addressing faulty thoughts and beliefs that accompany this disorder.
