What are the Best Therapies for OCD?
OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is a psychological as well as a neurological disorder that has the ability to impact and radically alter one’s way of life. Seeking treatment for OCD can be as simple as working together with a therapist for some. However, those who are treatment-resistant may find it extremely difficult to stick with a treatment that is proving ineffective. With TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, treatment-resistant patients may see results in as little as four to five weeks.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of OCD?
Individuals who struggle with OCD are much more likely to find themselves preoccupied with numbers, certain fixations, or even specific actions that must be repeated in order to feel satisfied. Obsessions and compulsions are the backbone of the disorder, causing individuals to fixate on specific issues such as germs or contamination, taboo topics such as sex and religion, and even numbers or locks throughout their home.
The most common signs and symptoms that of OCD may manifest in an individual who is struggling without proper treatment or therapy include:
- Fear of germs, contamination, bodily fluids, chemicals, and disease
- Intrusive thoughts of a sexual or taboo nature
- Preoccupation with locks, knobs, and other buttons throughout your home, particularly if they are attached to safety or prevention of fire or water
- Fear of losing control and increased anxiety
- Long-term depression may also manifest with untreated OCD
- Obsession with religious idols or ideologies
While these are just a few of the most prevalent issues commonly associated among individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, it is imperative to avoid self-diagnosis at all times. Always seek an official and professional medical diagnosis if you believe you are experiencing signs and symptoms of the disorder and are in need of proper treatment for OCD in your everyday life.
Exposure Therapy for OCD
Behavioral therapy and exposure therapy are extremely common forms of treatment for a wide range of both behavioral as well as neurological disorders, including OCD. Exposure therapy helps individuals to face their compulsions and obsessions at their own pace without feeling pressured or overwhelmed, but with actionable and positive steps backed by professional support and guidance.
Learning to identify obsessions and compulsions and then addressing them on an individual basis is often considered one of the best OCD therapies available for those who are receptive to traditional methods of treatment. Having the ability and willingness to confront and face your OCD triggers can go a long way when seeking proper and long-term treatment solutions.
Cognitive Therapy for OCD
For individuals who suffer greatly from intrusive or disruptive thoughts, CBT, or Cognitive Behavior Therapy may also be introduced as a viable option for OCD treatment. CBT is based on the principle that a variety of distorted thoughts and thought patterns are interrupting an individual’s ability to think clearly and remain rational at all times, especially as obsessions and compulsions become more intense and intrusive in one’s life.
Habit Reversal Training for OCD
Habit Reversal Training is also another form of therapy that is utilized by therapists and medical professionals who specialize in treating patients with OCD as well as other neurological and psychological disorders. Patients who have been diagnosed with OCD and who are unable to find relief with traditional therapy and CBT may be introduced to habit reversal training, especially those who have a long-term relationship with their therapists.
Habit reversal training for OCD is a long-term process that involves everything from positive reinforcement to awareness training as well as the introduction of social support and competing responses. Additionally, relaxation techniques, as well as visualization techniques, may also be introduced to help a patient to better face and overcome the struggles they encounter each day with their OCD diagnosis. Retraining the mind, body, muscles, and emotions requires the ability to commit and dedicate yourself to the process through habit reversal training for OCD therapy.
TMS and Talk Therapy for OCD
While traditional therapy solutions are among the best OCD therapies available to date, there are also new alternative paths for those who have struggled with a traditional route or find themselves to be treatment-resistant. One option to consider if you are feeling exhausted or overwhelmed by your lack of treatment progress for OCD is TMS, or Transcranial Magentic Stimulation.
Transcranial Magentic Stimulation works to send magnetic waves throughout various sections of the brain without causing pain or putting the body at risk. With TMS, patients are able to feel relief from depression, anxiety, Post Partum Disorder, and even OCD in as little as four to five weeks of ongoing TMS therapy. TMS therapy can help you to get the relief you seek from intrusive thoughts, obsessions, and uncontrollable compulsions or ticks with ongoing and dedicated sessions.
Is TMS Right for Me?
If you have explored different routes of treatment and therapy for your OCD diagnosis but you do not feel any relief, it may be time to consider an alternative route, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. With TMS, avoid additional medications, inhibitors, or therapies that have simply proven ineffective for you and instead, attempt to rectify your obsessions and compulsions with the latest in magnetic brainwave technology.
Understanding the various treatment and therapy options for OCD from exposure therapy and CBT to TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can help you to find a journey to recovery that is right for you. Comparing the best OCD therapies available today and selecting a solution that is right for you is a way to get your life back on track regardless of the severity of your OCD.
If you are struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and you are unsure of where to turn for treatment after exhausting traditional therapy solutions, consider TMS therapy from Pulse TMS. To learn more and to schedule your appointment, contact Pulse TMS. Our technicians are standing by and are ready to hear from you today.
