Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
When it comes to OCD, it often seems as if every treatment requires the use of medication. While some favor the approach or believe it is their only option, others find it unacceptable due to personal preference or undesired side effects.
There are reports concluding those suffering with OCD are condemned to a life time of prescription medication, implying they are victims of their own mind. Many have bought into the idea these symptoms stem from irreversible chemical imbalances or genetic defects; meaning there are no other choices other than to be medicated..
Unfortunately it’s not scientific fact; rather incomplete assumptions ruling out personal choice and the inherent ability everyone can change. Even the labels on prescription medications clearly state “OCD is believed to be caused by a chemical imbalance, but some form of therapy should be sought in conjunction to treat OCD.”
Thus many have misconceptions on seeing a therapist or counselor. They don’t believe therapy will help them overcome OCD. Some seek alternative methods to combat OCD, such as meditation, prayer, vitamins or herbal supplements. These are wonderful complimentary practices, but on their own will seldom be powerful enough to overcome or change the underlining issues creating obsessive thought processes.
Why Many Needlessly Remain Stuck
The average person with OCD will spend years researching the subject, trying to make sure they don’t approach it from the wrong angle. Others want the magic bullet, the “Give me that one thing that will fix me.” Unfortunately research and data doesn’t compensate for emotional sensitivities and those with OCD are not broken.
Any sensitivities surrounding OCD need to be addressed. If overlooked or minimized, a shift in the obsessive patterns can be difficult. At Designed Thinking we not only understand the complexities of obsessive thought patterns, but the emotional support needed to turn sensitivities around. Without a safe and supportive individualize approach, the person may still find themselves seeking help decades later.
Keep in mind everyone obsesses differently. There is no single answer or reason a person becomes fixated on a particular thought, any more than there is a single reason for people feeling anxious. But with OCD there are always non-supportive thought processes underneath the obsessions; real issues needing to be addressed.
While we can place people into the categories of different OCD symptoms, how someone creates and experiences OCD is still their own unique experience. Their perspectives and how they see the world needs to be respected. Trying force someone with OCD to change is an exercise in futility.
When clients with OCD are allowed to create perspectives and habits that truly support their overall well being, neurological shifts can occur. They become more mindful and begin resolving conflicts. They become more effective at dealing with background sensitivities, thus making it less likely to fixate on unwanted obsessions.
Avoidance only prolongs suffering
Avoidance of help only prolongs the process of suffering and over time, obsessions can become more intense. Hoping OCD will go away or just stop on its own is wishful thinking. It’s understandable that people would want to hope for the best. Unfortunately, in the long run OCD can leave people feeling hopeless about their situation
It’s no secret, that without action, nothing will change. The unwanted thoughts or behaviors of OCD aren’t going to magically go away. No one becomes more effective at dealing with repetitive thought processes unless they are willing to do something different. This begins by finding someone to work with, someone who understands the structure of OCD
logic Alone will not satisfy irrational ideas or behaviors
Those suffering from OCD try to rationalize their obsessions, as if that really addresses their emotional needs. Loved ones speak to them about common sense; yet it goes on deaf ears because no amount of reassurance satisfies the irrational. Unfortunately, the more irrational thoughts become, the more people try to use logic to combat what they don’t fully understand. They get more facts on OCD, yet the information alone doesn’t change how someone processes their thoughts and emotions.
Positive thinking isn’t going to make obsessions disappear. When the mind is locked onto an idea, the illusion of happy thoughts will not make OCD go away. Strong impulses and urges tend to override the positive outcomes of well intended ideas.
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So what options do OCD sufferers have? What really needs to be addressed? How is someone able to create long lasting change without the use of long term medication?
Changing Emotional and Mental Patterns
Each of us has an influence on how we process information and emotions. Our choices; consciously or unconsciously support us or minimize our abilities to effectively respond. Some will subconsciously developed thought patterns which limit choice and become self defeating. With OCD, inner conflicts must be resolved or integrated. Additional cognitive abilities are created to offer alternative choices.
Thought patterns are not predetermined. Emotional patterns are not predetermined. How we respond to the world is not predetermined. They can be complex, they are created, they are learned and while we are creatures of habits, these attributes can be changed.
From a neurological perspective, there is little difference between the process of how the mind and body creates positive or negative patterns, other than one offers choice and options, the other inhibits it. This means we have influence on the patterns, when and if the right aspects of the obsessions and anxieties are allowed to change.
When clients begin addressing root issues, the structural issues underneath OCD differently; they begin creating new choices, giving themselves the option to cope with stress and unwanted ideas in new ways. While stress may be part of the human experience, staying stuck in what is undesired is not a necessity.
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“This time last year I was at a point where I couldn’t help myself. I wonder today where I would be now if I hadn’t begun talking to you and been guided to the place I am now, where I am so grateful for the help you have given.” Julie Pouliot, former OCD sufferer OCD Symptoms are Not the Real Problem
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