What is the most effective treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and can it be cured?

by Dan Ritchey

     Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a difficult condition to treat because the symptoms differ so much from person to person. According to the Mayo Clinic, the two most common treatments for OCD are psychotherapy and medications. One effective means of psychotherapy is known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). "Cognitive behavioral therapy involves retraining your thought patterns and routines so that compulsive behaviors are no longer necessary. One CBT approach in particular is called exposure and response prevention. This therapy involves gradually exposing you to a feared object or obsession, such as dirt, and teaching you healthy ways to cope with your anxiety. Learning the techniques and new thought patterns takes effort and practice. But you may enjoy a better quality of life once you learn to manage your obsessions and compulsions."
    
     Medication can be effective at controlling the symptoms of OCD, however they can have side effects, and can be potentially dangerous when mixed with other medications in some cases. Unfortunately, both types of treatment may not lead to a cure, and may be required for the rest of one's life.

Source:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Treatments and drugs - MayoClinic.com. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 18, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/DS00189/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs