by Bayla Maya

Created on: March 02, 2007   Last Updated: April 20, 2007

Conquering Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder lends itself to many forms of therapeutic help. The first form commonly used is a psychodynamic approach. This can help the therapist create a connection of trust with the patient. Once this occurs the therapist may be able to help the patient understand the root of his/or her obsessions and compulsions. After this is established, cognitive and behavioral therapy in conjunction with one another to help the patient modify their behavior.

The person with OCD must be able to identify their irrational obsessive thoughts before they can modify their compulsive behavior. This modification occurs by using exposure and response methods to help the patient learn how to dissipate their anxiety level. An example of this would be for the patient to resist the urge of checking a locked door repeatedly. Eventually the patient may rationally accept the locked door and there is no need to check it. The use of medication to increase the concentration of serotonin in the neurotransmitters of the brain may be used. This increases the neurons activity to convey information to other parts of the brain. The usage of a combination of these therapies is atypical to use throughout a persons' lifetime in order to control the disorder.

A dear friend of mine has OCD and I understand how depilating this disorder can be. Before he was able to control the disorder, he became a hermit. He found himself trapped within the confines of his own house afraid of facing the world outside. Prior to this, he was a good student, and extremely social then OCD changed his life.

Through cognitive/behavioral therapy, and medication he has been able to regain his life. I am proud of the way he learned to use this disorder in his favor. He has graduated from a rather prestigious university. My friend is social once more and very well liked by his peers. His psychiatrist would like him to try to stop the medication. The psychiatrist feels he may not need it anymore. The only way to find out is to stop taking the medication. For now, my friend does not want to do this. He is afraid of going back to the way he was. With the proper lifetime support, he should be able to keep winning the battle against this disorder.

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