[toc]OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) refers to an anxiety disorder that is characterized by certain specific symptoms that include obsessive, repeated thoughts, excessive worry about cleanliness and religious or sexual thoughts that interfere with normal, day-to-day functioning. Studies have revealed that OCD is a common anxiety disorder that occurs approximately among 2% of the world population. Furthermore, these studies have revealed that people who suffer from OCD are likely to suffer from other types of anxiety disorders as well.
Researchers are not exactly sure why some people develop OCD. However, they have still delineated certain factors such as, family history, feelings of guilt, imbalances in the brain and a history of sexual abuse as the possible causes of OCD. Treating OCD is possible and so, if you think that you are suffering from it, it is better to seek treatments as soon as possible. Here are some ways you can cure OCD.
5 Methods To Cure OCD
Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy
Doctors agree that cognitive/behavioral therapy is the best treatment for an OCD patient. In this therapy, you will be taught correct ways of reacting to obsessive thoughts. Furthermore, the counselors will teach you the strategies of stopping obsessive thoughts at the very outset. They will also explore the source of your obsessive thoughts and try to reduce doubt as well as guilt –the two main sources of OCD.
Keep Yourself Busy
Many people develop OCD because they have loads of free time, which they don’t use in a productive manner. Much time is spent in idle thinking, which often gives rise to OCD. For these reasons, it is crucial to keep yourself busy. If you stay at home, indulging in your favorite ideas can be a good idea. You should also eat right and exercise regularly for leading a healthy lifestyle and developing a healthy mind.
Choose Medications
Many times, doctors recommend certain medications to patients of OCD. These medications increase the amount of serotonin (a type of chemical) in brain and help the patient to get rid of OCD. However, these medications may have mild side effects and so, it is crucial that you ask your doctor for more information before taking them. In case you are not reacting well to a certain medication, your doctor may suggest alternative medications to you.
Stay Relaxed
It is true that stress alone can never cause OCD. However, undergoing stressful events over time can contribute to developing OCD in a major way. For this reason, it is crucial that you learn to handle stress in a positive way. For best results, you can practice yoga, meditation or any relaxation technique. Also, it is important to have a peaceful sleep at night.
Opt For Self Help
Finally, understand the fact that unless you are genuinely willing to cure yourself, no amount of external help would be useful. For example, if you are obsessed about checking whether the gas has been turned off, pay more attention for the first time you are checking it. This way, you will have lesser urge to recheck it again and again. You could also write down your thoughts so that you can evaluate your feelings honestly later. Use these strategies for getting rid of OCD.
