OCD is shorthand for the condition known as obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is relatively
common. If you receive this diagnosis, though, you may not know what to do next.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is something that can usually be controlled through treatment if
you find that it is becoming a problem for you. Not everyone who develops this condition will
need treatment, but many individuals will find it helpful.
There are various ways of treating the disorder, but cognitive behavioral therapy is one of those
that seems to get the best results. We will talk more about it right now.
What Exactly is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder refers to a condition where someone feels compelled to think
about certain ideas all the time, or else they may continually engage in repetitive behaviors.
They may do both of these things.
For instance, someone who has this disorder may become obsessed with a particular notion.
They might think that if they don’t check in with a certain family member many times during the
day, that person is in danger. They may also go through a routine with the objects in their
house, and they’ll feel nervous if they’re not able to do this every day.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psycho-social intervention. It can be helpful in the
treatment of many health conditions, including OCD.
A big part of this kind of therapy is trying to change how an afflicted individual thinks. By doing
so, the treatment can change how they act as well.
How Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help Someone Who Receives an OCD
Diagnosis?
Someone who receives an OCD diagnosis might seek treatment with a mental health
professional. Their therapist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy. If the patient agrees to
try it, then the process can begin.
Usually, cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD involves the doctor intentionally putting the
patient in a situation where they come face to face with their obsessions. They are then asked
not to do the things they usually do to cope.
The idea is that someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder will see that what they fear might
happen won’t actually take place if they don’t follow the pattern they have gotten into. This will
show them that their worries are baseless.
Does This Treatment Method Usually Work?
If someone with OCD sees conclusive evidence that what they fear won’t actually transpire if
their behavior patterns are broken, that can sometimes get them to stop doing it. They are faced
with the harsh light of reality. This can essentially rewire the brain.
However, what works for one person might not always work for another, and this is no exception
to that rule. Sometimes, this treatment proves ineffective.
It’s also possible that someone with OCD will feel reassured at the moment the treatment is
taking place, but they can relapse later. They may also develop different but equally harmful
beliefs.
If someone is bothered by OCD tendencies, this option is at least worth considering, though.
