Distinct Types Of Treatment Available for OCD

Mental health is real wealth; however, if the mental faculties are disrupted, mental and physical health deteriorate. Shockingly, there are people who are suffering from stigmatization and discrimination due to mental disorders. These disorders include OCD, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar and many more. Sadly, society has victimized affected persons, but it’s heartwarming to know that Psychiatrists in India are making efforts to treat and improve the quality of life of people affected by various mental disorders. All hope is not lost.

What is OCD

OCD is an abbreviation for Obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is a mental disorder that is characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Meaning, unwanted, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours. These obsessions and compulsions tend to be persistent and cause anxiety, distress and are also difficult to control. Obsessive-compulsive disorder manifests in different ways, like excessive hand washing, arranging of things in specific order, fear of contamination, to mention but a few..This condition may affect a person’s life negatively, and therefore, it is imperative to visit a specialist for OCD treatment in India.

OCD treatment:

Obsessive-compulsive behaviour can be treated by a combination of different methods that include medications and psychotherapy.

• Psychotherapy involves cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP). CBT helps the affected person identify and alter the negative thoughts and behaviours associated with OCD. ERP, on the other hand, involves the exposure of individuals to feared situations or objects while restricting them from engaging in their usual compulsive ways of responding to those particular situations. Another psychotherapy treatment option that psychiatrists in India offer  is acceptance and commitment therapy, which focuses on aligning behaviours with personal values, focusing on acceptance of obsessions and urges without eliminating them

• Medications- It is quite common that when patients go for OCD treatment in India, their doctors or specialists prescribe antidepressants like SSRIS (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). These antidepressants work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain, which in turn minimizes the compulsive and obsessive behaviours. However, when SSRIS don’t work, they also recommend Tricyclic antidepressants, which are also effective in treating OCD. While effective, psychiatrists in India consider them second-line treatment options as they may have some cardiac side effects for patients with heart issues.

• Other treatments- other treatments include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive procedure that involves the stimulation of specific areas of the brain by using magnetic pulses. Additionally, another treatment prescribed is  Deep brain stimulation (DBS), which involves planting electrodes in the brain to control brain activity. Support groups are also helpful for people dealing with mental disorders, it makes them feel more loved and cared for. Community support helps to imbibe the feeling that they belong, accepted and not alone.

In conclusion, mental health issues, including mental disorders such as OCD, depression and the like, cannot be ignored. If left untreated or mismanaged, they may negatively impact people’s lives, causing people to isolate and potentially lose their lives. The greatest wealth is health. Adjusting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, coupled with regular sleep, a healthy diet, and stress relieving techniques,  may be necessary for a complete state of physical, mental and overall well-being.