How to Cope With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that is best coped with using a combination of therapy and medication.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Get a psychological assessment done by a professional psychotherapist or psychiatrist to determine whether you have an obsessive-compulsive disorder vs. something else. Call your doctor for a referral.

2. Seek out counseling with a therapist experienced with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therapy for OCD involves exposing yourself to the situation or idea that is anxiety-producing while not being able to do the compulsive behavior.

3. Talk to your doctor or therapist about possible medicines that may be helpful. Medication can often decrease the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

4. Read about OCD in books or online to learn about the disorder and effective coping strategies.

5. Join a support group for people with OCD. Ask your doctor or therapist for a referral.

Tips & Warnings

• Because treating OCD involves experiencing your fear and anxiety until it loses its intensity, being with a therapist is the safest way to do this.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[chanelle_00_123]

on 2/14/2007 I am a 4th grade teacher and have a student with severe OCD. He gets very frustrated with his class work and working with his peers. I have made a lot of commendations for him throughout this school year; however, his parents and I are trying to help him become more responsible for his actions and learn how to cope with his condition. Any suggestions?

[verapple]

on 12/28/2006 Hey finally i got onto a web site which relates to my own ocd, i am only reading the beginning have yet to read on,..... but i know i found my mates who can truly know and empathise with me, the pain i am going thru living but worst than death itself!I am still having ocd been on med before but was costly so stopped for years and trying hard to cope, torturing!

on 9/19/2006 When the urge to check comes, wait 1 minute before checking, meanwhile taking deep breaths. After you've mastered doing that with no or little anxiety, more to 2, 3, 4 and 5 minutes. That worked great for me!

on 9/19/2006 Wear a rubber band around your wrist and when an obsessive thought starts, snap it and say "stop" in your head. It helps to rid your mind of the obsessive thoughts.

on 3/21/2006 If you have OCD (which I once had), make sure you go to a therapist. It is so important to have someone just to talk to; I couldn't have made it through everything if I didn't have one. Talk with them about cognitive behavioral therapy. I also recommend the book, Brain Lock. It is an amazing book that helps a lot. To all of you out there with OCD, good luck on your journey because there is hope, you have to believe it. There is hope.