CBT and OCD: Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Many people believe that those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, OCD, should simply take medication to prevent their symptoms from controlling their life. When one suffers from OCD, they must keep to their routines or they will feel like they are out of control. It can cause massive panic attacks and prevent them from living a normal lifestyle. Medication is not meant for long-term use; however, so many patients find themselves being forced to bounce from one medication to another.
What is extremely effective with OCD is combining medication with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT. The medication assists the therapist in the CBT by calming the patient so that new behavior can be taught. It is vital that CBT be the primary treatment plan, because of how successful CBT has proven to be.
CBT is not only successful in re-training the mind, but it is also safer. There are no side effects to CBT like there are with long-term drug use. The CBT can be used to help the patient sleep better and have fewer cases of stress-induced symptoms. This will help him or her see that they can handle life's trials without having to perform routines. Finally, a patient can continue using CBT long after meeting with a therapist, because they will learn the methods for breaking the negative thinking cycle.
For an updated, more in-depth look at this topic, see ERP Treatment for Patients with OCD.