Changes

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.

 

[[category:psychiatry]]

[[category:psychiatry]]

[[Category:Psychiatric Disorders]]

[[Category:Psychiatric Disorders]]

[[category:psychology]]

[[category:psychology]]