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== The methods of treatment ==

== The methods of treatment ==

There are two primary methods of treatment for OCD.  Exposure therapy is a method in which the OCD sufferer is exposed to the thing that he or she fears and prevented from engaging in compensating behaviors.  For example, a patient who washes his hands for hours due to fear of germs may be exposed to germs in a public restroom and not allowed to wash his hands.  Repeated exposure teaches the patient that the fear is excessive, diminishing anxiety and compulsive behavior.  OCD is also sometimes treated with [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors|SSRIs]], a form of [[anti-depressant]] medication.  Exposure therapy is generally considered the preferable mode of treatment, because the effects are long-lasting, whereas the beneficial effects of medication fade when the drug is discontinued.

There are two primary methods of treatment for OCD.  Exposure therapy is a method in which the OCD sufferer is exposed to the thing that he or she fears and prevented from engaging in compensating behaviors.  For example, a patient who washes his hands for hours due to fear of germs may be exposed to germs in a public restroom and not allowed to wash his hands.  Repeated exposure teaches the patient that the fear is excessive, diminishing anxiety and compulsive behavior.  OCD is also sometimes treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a form of [[anti-depressant]] medication.  Exposure therapy is generally considered the preferable mode of treatment, because the effects are long-lasting, whereas the beneficial effects of medication fade when the drug is discontinued.

The signs and symptoms of OCD have been tragically mistaken for signs of [[Possession|demonic possession]]. The possibility of demonic possession or oppression is almost non-existent, and should be the last suspicion. If anyone is observed experiencing any conditions suggestive of possession, experienced pastoral care counsellors, mental health and medical professionals, and experts in paranormal phenomena and research, all strongly advise immediately contacting a physician for further evaluation. A medical consultation should always be the first step.

The signs and symptoms of OCD have been tragically mistaken for signs of [[Possession|demonic possession]]. The possibility of demonic possession or oppression is almost non-existent, and should be the last suspicion. If anyone is observed experiencing any conditions suggestive of possession, experienced pastoral care counsellors, mental health and medical professionals, and experts in paranormal phenomena and research, all strongly advise immediately contacting a physician for further evaluation. A medical consultation should always be the first step.