Psychological therapy for OCD is highly effective. Research has shown that psychological therapy achieves the same or better results for treating OCD symptoms than traditional medications. The most effective psychological therapy for OCD focuses on the thoughts and behaviors of the patient rather than taking a physiological approach.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, a type of psychological therapy, is even more effective when combined with medication. This combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy is more effective than medication alone.
What Is Involved in Psychological Therapy for OCD
Psychological therapy focuses on the beliefs and fears that are associated with the obsession. This is called cognitive restructuring. The therapist will help the patient modify the faulty beliefs and then teach the patient to apply this new thinking to their behavior.
This way, the obsessive thoughts will no longer be so attractive to the patient, and they will stop performing compulsive behaviors that reinforce the obsession.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy involves a reward system. The patient will be rewarded, either positively or negatively, when they perform behaviors that decrease the effects of their obsessions or when they perform compulsive behavior.
Sometimes, the patient will be distracted from their obsessions by being given a task to perform, such as drawing pictures. As the patient becomes less inhibited by their obsessions, the task will become more difficult.
If the patient is able to perform the task, their obsessions will decrease, and their compulsive behaviors will be decreased.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
In this technique, the patient will confront their fears by getting close to the thing they fear without performing compulsive behavior. This technique is usually used with situations, such as a fear of dirt or germs.
The patient will be closely observed while they confront their fears to help them learn that the situation is not dangerous. As the patient tries this technique, the therapist will help them to replace the faulty beliefs associated with their behaviors.
If it is difficult for the patient to continue this type of therapy, they can be distracted by something else while they confront their fears, such as drawing pictures.
How Long Does ERP Take?
The patient will perform exposure and response prevention therapy in the same way that they would perform any other compulsive behavior: by repetition. Practice makes perfect.
Studies show that one week of daily exposure therapy is enough to decrease the obsessions of certain patients. However, most people require a longer regimen to achieve the same results.
A minimum of 12 weeks is recommended by most psychological organizations. However, you should speak to your therapist about how long it will take for you to achieve the results you are looking for.
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the way that the patient thinks. Cognitive therapy helps the patient understand the way that their thinking processes are affecting the way that they behave.
The therapist will help the patient identify their negative thoughts and then work to change the way they think. When the patient has learned to change their negative thinking patterns, they will be less likely to perform compulsive behaviors.
Conclusion
Psychological therapy is an effective treatment for OCD, but it is not the only way to treat the disorder. You may want to consider mixing traditional psychological therapy with medications, or you may want to try medications alone.
No matter your situation, Amodeus Healthcare helps provide practical solutions to your pressing problems. We offer psychiatric services in Londonderry, including psychological therapy for your OCD. Get in touch with us today to learn more.