The most commonly used medications in OCD treatment are antidepressants, in particular, SSRIs and tricyclic drugs. Behavioral therapy, which seeks to change people's reactions to anxiety-provoking situations, is frequently used in combination with medications. It takes time for any OCD treatment to work, so don't be discouraged if you have a setback or if a particular treatment doesn't work for you. Other options are available.
An Introduction to OCD Treatment
OCD treatment includes medications and behavioral therapy, a specific type of psychotherapy. A combination of these treatments is often most effective, especially when treating OCD in children.
Evaluating the Circumstances Prior to OCD Treatment
Before OCD treatment can begin, the doctor must conduct a careful evaluation to determine whether your symptoms are due to OCD and what other conditions may be present.
Sometimes, alcoholism or some other coexisting condition will have such an impact that it is necessary to treat it at the same time or before treating OCD.
If you have had previous OCD treatment, be prepared to tell the doctor what treatment you tried. If it was a medication, what was the dosage, was it gradually increased, and how long did you take it? If you had psychotherapy, what kind was it, and how often did you attend sessions?
It often happens that people believe they have "failed" at OCD treatment, or that the OCD treatment has failed them, when, in fact, it was never given an adequate trial. So it's important to give the medication and/or therapy a chance to work.
When you undergo OCD treatment, you and your doctor or therapist will be working together as a team. Together, you will attempt to find the approach that is best for you. If one OCD treatment doesn't work, the odds are good that another one will. And new OCD treatments are continually being developed through research. So don't give up hope.
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