How is OCD Treated?
The most effective treatments for OCD are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or medication. More specifically, the most effective and evidence-based treatments are a type of CBT called exposure and response prevention (ERP) and/or a class of medications called serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SRIs.
EXPOSURE AND RESPONSE PREVENTION (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention, also known as ERP, is a form of cognitive behavior therapy. It is also considered the “gold standard” treatment for OCD and related disorders. During ERP, the person purposely exposes themselves to a situation that will result in obsessional thinking and discomfort.
ERP helps change the way the person responds to obsessions and discomfort. Instead of engaging in compulsions that only temporarily reduce discomfort, the person will learn to manage them differently. Over time, the feared situation becomes less uncomfortable and more easily managed.
MEDICATION
Medication may also be used, either by itself or along with ERP treatment. Most of the SRI medicines that help with OCD are known as antidepressants. Several drugs are considered to work well for people with OCD:
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Fluvoxamine (Luvox ®)
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Fluoxetine (Prozac ®)
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Sertraline (Zoloft ®)
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Citalopram (Celexa ®)
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Clomipramine (Anafranil ®)
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Escitalopram (Lexapro ®)
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Venlafaxine (Effexor ®)
*Only a licensed medical professional (such as a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner or physician) can prescribe medication, and they would ideally work together with the therapist to develop a treatment plan.