Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, known as OCD, was once considered rare but is now one of the more widely known types of anxiety disorders. While there are no known cures, OCD treatment can be effective.

In the past, OCD-sufferers did not have easy access to information and many were too ashamed and embarrassed to seek medical help or discuss their symptoms with others. They thought that they were abnormal in some way and unaware of the OCD treatments available.

OCD usually begins in the teen or early adult years but children experience OCD too. Recent research shows that some children may develop the illness as early as their preschool years with many adult OCD cases having begun in childhood.

According to the World Health Organization OCD is among the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide.

Medical Treatments:
Medical treatments are available from your health professional but work best in combination with other therapies to reduce symptoms.

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) is an antidepressant designed to boost levels of serotonin in the brain. OCD suffers are likely to have low serotonin levels.

· Tranquilizers reduce compulsive urges by relaxing the body and may be prescribed to people with more severe OCD symptoms. Be aware that they can be habit-forming so should only be used for short periods of time.

· Psychosurgery is only performed in extreme cases in of OCD where symptoms are debilitating and unresponsive to all other treatments. The procedure involves disabling certain parts of the brain with an electrode.

Psychotherapy:

Particularly where children are concerned Psychotherapy should be considered as one of the first treatments for OCD.

• Cognitive-behavior therapy is a combination of cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy and is a highly effective OCD treatment. With cognitive therapy, a person learns to understand and change their thoughts and beliefs. With behavioral therapy, a person learns to change specific actions.

Some self-help books and e-books catering specifically for OCD treatment are also an effective way to help overcome the debilitating symptoms of OCD.

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