OCD Treatment: Banishing the Devil the Modern Way

In the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, it was the general belief that people who experienced sexual, blasphemous and other obsessive thoughts were possessed by the Devil. Thus the usual treatment was exorcism, which involved banishing the evil spirit from the body of the “possessed” person.

Today however, we deal with obsessive-compulsive disorders more rationally. OCD is generally treated with cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, medications or a combination of these three. Although it is not a common primary intervention, psychodynamic psychotherapy may also help in dealing with some aspects of this psychiatric anxiety disorder.

Increasing and maintaining the serotonin levels in the brain may help improve OCD symptoms. You can push your serotonin level by taking medications like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Most of the time, these antidepressants are prescribed to restore the serotonin balance and reduce depression and anxiety. SSRIs include fluvoxamine, paroxetine, setraline and fluoxetine.

Except for sertraline and fluoxetine, SRRIs must not be prescribed to patients under the age of 18 especially to children. By taking these antidepressants, there is an increased risk of side effects in children and adolescents. These side effects do not usually manifest in adults.

The medications usually take two to four weeks for the effects to work properly. However in some cases it can take up to two and a half months. After taking effect, symptoms are expected to improve by up to 70 percent. If your doctors see it is working, you will be required to continue taking the medicine for at least a year.

However remember that different types of medicine affect different patients in different ways. Thus finding the right medicine for you may take some time.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) involves identifying connections among emotions, thoughts and behaviors, exploring the nature of stress responses. The therapist will gradually expose you to your feared object or idea. It can be a direct exposure or just by imagination. You will also work your way into resisting to carry out your usual compulsive response or rituals. The goal is to experience less anxiety from your obsessive thoughts and to be able to control your compulsive actions.

Some patients consider CBT to be a little too stressful. Others find it very helpful in eradicating both the obsessions and compulsions.

OCD used to be a very difficult condition to treat. Fortunately it is now a lot easier with the development of psychiatric medicine. If you feel you have OCD or you know someone who does, it is advisable to seek psychiatric attention. OCD symptoms can be cured and the disorder can be treated properly. You don't have to resort to exorcism like in the old days.