Struggling With Intrusive Thoughts? Get OCD Treatment That Works

Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or actions you feel compelled to perform in response to your obsessions. You might do these things to try and ease the anxiety caused by your obsessions, but it only provides temporary relief. 

For instance: Someone with contamination fears might engage in excessive handwashing or cleaning rituals, or spend hours scrubbing themselves or their surroundings to rid them of imagined germs.

Causes of OCD

While the causes of OCD are not fully understood, some factors are commonly found in people suffering from OCD.

Brain Function : OCD is linked to hyperactivity in the orbitofrontal cortex, a part of the brain that plays a key role in decision-making and emotion regulation. This could explain the obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviours.

Genetics : A 2023 study showed that OCD was 7.2 times more prevalent in families with a history of OCD than in those without. So if someone in your family has OCD, you might be more likely to develop it too. That said, genes are not the only factor, and having a family history doesn’t guarantee you’ll get OCD.

Environment : Stressful events, such as trauma or big life changes can sometimes trigger OCD symptoms in some people. Also, how we learn to cope with stress and anxiety can affect whether OCD develops.

Personality Traits : OCD is commonly seen in people who also have certain personality traits such as perfectionism, heightened sensitivity, stubbornness, and preoccupation with details. People with such personality traits could be at a higher risk of developing or already having OCD.

Checking OCD : It is characterised by excessive checking of locks, doors, appliances, or personal safety to prevent harm or accidents. These actions are performed to reduce anxiety but often end up consuming a lot of your time and energy. Your doubts persist after checking multiple times, resulting in more repetitive checks.

Hoarding OCD : Hoarding is now classified as a separate diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). People affected by hoarding disorder collect items often deemed of some value to the person, resulting in cluttered and disorganised living spaces. People suffering from the hoarding subtype are more anxious and depressed and find it harder to find employment.

Symmetry and Order OCD : People suffering from this type of OCD feel a strong urge to rearrange objects so they seem “just right”. Example: Aligning the positioning of a straight-edge object with the edge of the table so it appears ‘visually appealing’ and symmetrical with the table. People suffering from this subtype often spend multiple hours of their day rearranging different objects so they look ‘right’ to them.

Treatment Options for OCD

While OCD cannot be cured, there are some excellent treatments for OCD available to ease its symptoms and help you live more comfortably. These include:

Psychotherapy : Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly a type called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is considered the gold standard for treating OCD. In ERP therapy, you gradually face your fears (exposure) while refraining from engaging in compulsive behaviours (response prevention). This helps reduce anxiety and break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Other forms of OCD therapy, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or mindfulness-based approaches, may also help in managing OCD symptoms.

Medication : Medicine for OCD includes Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant that is commonly used to treat OCD. These medications help regulate serotonin levels in your brain, which can reduce the severity of OCD symptoms. A combination of medication and OCD therapy may be more effective than either treatment alone.

Group Therapy : Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy where a small group of people facing similar challenges come together to support each other, share experiences, and learn new ways to cope—all under the guidance of a trained OCD therapist. It’s a safe, confidential space to connect, feel less alone, and work through your problems together.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) : Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a safe, non-invasive procedure where magnetic pulses stimulate or inhibit activity in specific brain areas. This form of OCD therapy is commonly used to treat various mental health conditions, including Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

At BetterPlace, the cost of each appointment is INR 2,000. In your first 90-minute session, you get to meet our psychiatrist and clinical psychologist who put a laser focus on diagnosis and OCD treatment ensuring personalised care tailored to your unique needs. Our experts collaborate to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the root causes of your concerns while providing effective solutions.