The Best Evidence-Based Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): What You Need to Know

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition that can have negative impacts on an individual's daily life and relationships. However, even severe OCD may be effectively treated using evidence-based therapy techniques.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder, its first-line treatment, and other effective treatments that can help manage symptoms.

Understanding OCD Symptoms

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Common OCD symptoms include contamination fears, worries about harm to oneself or others, and a need for symmetry or order. Other symptoms may include:

• Strong feelings of uncertainty
• Aggressive thoughts of losing control
• Avoiding certain situations that cause obsession
• Doubting your own actions
• Intense stress

Mental health professionals diagnose OCD using the criteria laid out in the diagnostic and statistical manual (DSM-5), which state that an individual must demonstrate obsessive symptoms, compulsive acts, or both on most days for at least 2 successive weeks, and these mental acts must cause distress or interfere with daily life activities.

OCD symptoms can be time-consuming and impaired, affecting daily life, relationships, and education. OCD affects 2.3% of adults and 1%-2.3% of children in the United States. OCD is a brain-based disorder, and its causes are not fully understood, but genetics, temperament, and environmental factors may contribute to its development.

Effective OCD Treatment Options

While obsessive-compulsive disorder can be disruptive and problematic, it is also very treatable. There are a number of evidence-based treatment for OCD, including certain prescription medications and psychotherapy approaches.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is an evidence-based treatment for OCD, involving gradual exposure to feared situations or objects while preventing compulsive behaviors. Cognitive therapy, or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), is also an effective treatment for OCD, helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are a class of medications that can be effective in treating OCD, particularly in combination with ERP or CBT. ERP and medication are considered the “first-line” treatments for OCD, with about 70% of people benefiting from these treatments.

How Exposure and Response Prevention Works

ERP is a form of therapy that involves systematically and gradually confronting feared objects, situations, intrusive thoughts, and images to help patients overcome avoidance behaviors. Through therapist-assisted and patient-led exposure practices, patients learn to recognize that anxiety is uncomfortable but not dangerous and that they are capable of coping with negative outcomes.

Exposure Response Prevention can lead to habituation and inhibitory learning, reducing OCD symptoms over time. ERP can also be extremely flexible and accessible, delivered in various environments, including in-office, in-home, and community settings.

Implementing ERP in Daily Life

Some principles of Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) that can be applied to an individual's life outside of the therapy office include:

• Be structured and stick with the exposure until anxiety decreases.
• Vary the exposures and be prepared to induce anxiety.
• Be open to moving to harder exposures and encourage patients to do exposures on their own.
• Track progress and adjust the exposure plan as needed.
• Practice mindfulness and learn to let thoughts be without responding to them.

Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks

Remain vigilant and steadfast in OCD recovery. Challenges may arise, but setbacks can be managed with relapse prevention plans. Regular check-ins and maintenance strategies can help maintain progress. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you experience a setback; instead, focus on getting back on track.

Consider seeking support from a therapist or support group. Family therapy and parent management training may be helpful for managing OCD and any co-occurring disorders in children or teens.

Additional Treatment Approaches

According to the International OCD Foundation, there are a number of empirically supported treatments that can work well for managing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is another approach that may be helpful for OCD, with promising new research showing its potential.

Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) is an emerging intervention with early evidence and anecdotal reports supporting its use, as well as exposure therapy. Exposure therapy is also commonly used with anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder.

In addition, ERP delivered in a group format and ERP therapy delivered via videoconferencing (teletherapy) may be effective.

Finally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a gold standard treatment for many forms of mental health conditions, as well as other forms of behavior therapy like habit reversal training can also be effective in reducing OCD symptoms.

Specialized OCD Treatment

PANDAS is a rare type of OCD that occurs in childhood following an infection, such as strep throat. PANDAS should be managed with early antibiotic treatment for strep infections, and continued symptoms can be treated with standard OCD treatments like ERP therapy and/or SRI medication.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a related condition that can be treated with ERP and medication. Spectrum disorders, such as autism, may require specialized treatment approaches.

Choosing the Right Therapist for OCD Treatment

The most effective way to treat OCD is to find a therapist who specializes in OCD and is trained and certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Response Prevention. Consider choosing from among mental health professionals that are experienced in working with anxiety disorders. Many therapists have online profiles with their qualifications and specialties, so you can choose the one that best fits these criteria. In addition, use the first session to ask questions about their practice and experience with treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental disorders.

Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Miami, FL

OCD is a treatable disorder, and evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention, as well as prescription medication, can be effective in reducing symptoms. With the right treatment and support, individuals with OCD can overcome their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

At Williamsburg Therapy Group, our team of doctoral-level Miami therapists in Coconut Grove offers both online and in-person sessions to accommodate a busy life and allow you to work with a provider that can offer a variety of practical strategies, healthy coping skills, and relaxation techniques that will allow you to reduce the emotional and physical symptoms of OCD and experience a greater quality of life.

Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling with anxious and intrusive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. With the right treatment and support, it’s possible to treat OCD. Reach out to our customer service coordinator to get matched with a professional who can offer tools and strategies to manage symptoms and reduce anxiety in a way that allows you to live a more fulfilling life.