How Can Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Be Treated?

It is very important for any condition on the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum to be treated. These conditions normally cause significant impairment and distress, and interrupt the day-to-day life of any sufferer.

But, treatment is available, and with the right plan and general support, the majority of people with an Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorder will make a full recovery.

What is the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum?

Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum: The Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum consists of a range of conditions that share the hallmark of obsessive and compulsive behaviours. An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, doubt, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person’s mind. A compulsion is a repetitive action that the person then carries out to temporarily relieve the anxiety brought on by the obsession. There are many conditions that fall into this category – with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) the most well-known.

Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Treatment

There are various different types of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorders. The treatment plan for each will differ, but generally, self-help, talking therapy and possibly medication will be used.

The exact circumstances of each case will be taken into account when crafting a treatment plan. Treatment normally involves one or more of the following:

Self-help

Engaging in self-help materials on the internet and doing certain things can help. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and sleeping well can often help.

There are several discussion groups available on the internet for Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorders, which can provide an individual with support, or contact with others going through similar experiences.

Talking Therapy

Talking therapy is the most important part of treating Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorders. A therapy like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy is especially useful – due to its focus on the effect of thoughts. This is a key area in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders. Potentially useful types include:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that is used to treat a range of mental health conditions. CBT involves an individual talking face-to-face with a therapist, although sometimes CBT can be conducted in a group setting. CBT attempts to improve an individual’s wellbeing and mood. The therapy focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings and actions. This can be useful for those with low self-esteem, anxiety, unhelpful personality traits or intrusive thoughts. CBT can help an individual understand their feelings more, and in the long run should lead to an improvement in quality of life.

Cognitive Analytical Therapy (CAT): Cognitive Analytical Therapy provides a form of therapy that combines cognitive and psychoanalytic approaches to mental health. The aim is to instil techniques into an individual that should help improve the symptoms of their condition. There is a very strong focus on the relationship between therapist and client in this type of therapy.

Schema Therapy: Schema Therapy is a talking therapy that combines aspects of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Gestalt therapy and psychoanalytical thinking into one form. It can be useful in treating personality disorders due to its ability to help people change longstanding patterns of thought and behaviour. The therapy is normally based on the idea that childhood needs were not met, leading to deeply-held obstructive beliefs. The therapist will attempt to change long-standing patterns that have contributed to problems, and can be very useful. Schema therapy is mainly intended for use in the treatment of personality disorders.

There are a range of other types of talking therapy, aside from the above.

Medication

In cases where necessary, medication can be prescribed. An antidepressant can help to make the intrusive thoughts seen in these conditions less prominent.

Antidepressants: Antidepressants can help to improve and regulate mood. They should improve motivation and restore energy. SSRI Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed. They act on the brain chemical serotonin – which is thought to help in regulating mood and emotion. They may include side-effects such as a dry mouth, sexual problems and nausea, though these should hopefully be short-term. Other classes of antidepressants are available in the event of an inadequate reaction.

There are also some alternative and complimentary treatments that offer a different approach to the above types of treatment.

Summary

Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorders are difficult to live with. Each one causes distress and impacts life in many ways.

But treatment can certainly help, and recovery is attainable in the majority of cases. It is the aim for all who access treatment to recover.  

See Also

1. Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders: Everything You Need to Know
2. What Are The Different Types of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
3. What Are The Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
4. What Are The Causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
5. How are Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Diagnosed?
6. How Can Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders be Treated?
7. What is the Prognosis for Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
8. 10 Tips for Living With Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders