What is the best way to manage Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Answer 1

It depends on your particular case. Usually OCD is treated with the newer anti-depressants SSRIs. SSRIs alter the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which, like other neurotransmitters, helps brain cells communicate with one another. This is used as a preventative method.

I for one have bipolar (with a tendancy to mania) along with OCD and am not able to take anti-depressants (because they will send me into a manic phase). To help me my doctor has put me on anti-anxiety medication. When medication is used like this is it done in low doses and it treats the symptoms without treating the underlying cause.

I have had no problems so far though (have been on this treatment for 3 years) and have seen a great improvement.

I urge you to talk to you psychiatrist to decide what the best course of treatment is for you. Good luck!

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/anxiety.cfm#anx9

Answer 2

Speaking from first-hand experience:
1-Consult a psychologist
2-Consider meds
3-Take part in cognitive behavioral therapy

Step one is the hardest because you don't want to be deemed crazy. I know that. OCD is an anxiety disorder and you may have also experienced anxiety or panic attacks, social anxiety, etc. The psychologist will most likely suggest medication to get you "evened out." Once your set on your meds, they proceed with the cognitive behavioral therapy.

There are exercises that they teach you, such as rationalizing the fear and actually getting facts of the likelihood of such fear ever happening. CBT also helps you learn to live with the uneasiness of not giving in to the compulsion.

This is just a brief overview. There are also some good books out there such as, "Stop Obsessing!" that prove quite useful.

But truly, see a psych and you'll have someone that will help guide you out of this dark tunnel.

Jen/Smudge

Answer 3

People with bipolar disorder sometimes have other conditions that occur at the same time. The combination can make bipolar disorder tough to diagnose and hard to treat. If you or someone you care about has bipolar disorder, it's important to be honest with your doctor about any drugs or alcohol you are using, and any symptoms you feel, even if you don't think they're important.

Substance abuse
Substance abuse is very common among people with bipolar disorder. In fact, about 60% of the bipolar population has an alcohol or drug abuse problem, according to recent research by the National Institute of Mental Health.

People with untreated bipolar disorder often turn to alcohol and street drugs to try to calm manic episodes, or pick themselves up during low periods. Some have trouble sleeping through the night or even just falling asleep, so they drink alcohol to make themselves feel sleepy.

But substance abuse only makes the situation worse. Using alcohol or street drugs to manage the effects of bipolar disorder is dangerous and ineffective. It can also hide symptoms that are important to recognize, and interfere with the medication that a doctor has prescribed. And, abusing drugs or alcohol can make future manic and depressive episodes worse and more frequent.

Anxiety disorder
People with bipolar disorder often experience severe anxiety at the same time. Anxiety disorders may require additional medication or treatment. Some of these disorders and their symptoms are:


Generalized anxiety disorder brings about constant fretting for no rational reason. A person with this disorder may also experience nausea, headaches, or muscle tension.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes people to repeat the same behavior over and over, or to experience unwanted thoughts or desires.
Panic disorder involves a feeling of intense fear. Episodes may include dizziness, sweating, and chest pain.
Social phobia brings on an intense fear of embarrassment or scrutiny that may cause a person to avoid routine social activities.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after a terrifying or traumatic experience, and includes flashback episodes, nightmares, and frightening thoughts. People with PTSD may experience outbursts of anger, and depression.


Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is often confused with bipolar disorder in children because the two illnesses have similar symptoms such as irritability and hyperactivity.

Many adults with bipolar disorder were diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as children. Research suggests that, while rare, bipolar disorder can actually occur in children as young as six years old. So, it's often hard to sort out which illness is present. In some cases, a child might have both bipolar disorder and ADHD.

The best way to diagnose ADHD is by having a thorough evaluation with a child psychiatrist.

Answer 4

OCD is a serious problem & will lead to unnecessary embarassments.So,consult a psychiatrist soon.Earlier the better.