Sponsored: 8 Effective Tips to Manage OCD Symptoms Based on Research

If you constantly wash your hands, check your things, and overthink everything, you may have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It’s an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted, uncontrollable, and repetitive thoughts and activities that you feel obliged to do.

According to a study published in 2017, the loss and lifetime prevalence of OCD is 1% to 3%. It is a serious mental disorder that often remains unnoticed. Checking your staff from time to time is okay, but when you start doing it repeatedly, it becomes a matter of concern.

The severity of OCD varies from person to person. Some people can hide the symptoms successfully from their family and friends. But it gradually hampers their regular life, work, and study.

The diagnosis of OCD depends on some criteria. The symptoms can occur due to obsessions, compulsions, or both.

The exact cause of OCD is still unknown. But, a study published in 2011 reported that genetic and environmental factors could be responsible for this condition. But, further research is necessary to find the exact reason.

Tips to Manage OCD

Contents ⬇️ ⬇️ hide

1 Tips to Manage OCD

2 1. Go for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

3 2. Try Online BetterHelp Counseling.

4 3. Try Medications.

5 4. Educate Yourself About OCD.

6 5. Listen to Your Favorite Music.

7 6. Try Meditation.

8 7. Do Regular Exercise.

9 8. Consume Food Rich in Zinc.

10 Bottom Line

10.1 Resource Links

There is no permanent cure for OCD. But, some treatments may help you manage the symptoms. Here are some tips:

1. Go for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

If you think you have OCD, the first thing you should do is to see a therapist. He or she will diagnose the severity of your symptoms and prescribe treatment based on your symptoms.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered the most effective treatment for OCD. In a 2017 study, researchers focused on the mechanism of CBD. 43 OCD patients attended the trial. Those who received CBD treatment showed a better result than others.

2. Try Online BetterHelp Counseling.

Online therapy is one of the most popular treatments these days for so many mental disorders. It helps you to get your necessary treatment without going to the doctor physically.

With the help of a computer or smartphone connected to the internet, you can get the treatment anywhere and anytime you want.

BetterHelp is an e-counseling platform that offers professional counseling. You can get the service in an affordable and convenient manner. It has professional and certified psychiatrists and counselors who can help you with your problems.

A study on Behavior Research and Therapy showed online CBT is as effective as face-to-face CBT.

So, if you’re searching for trustworthy online counselors, you can always rely on BetterHelp.

Click here to learn more about BetterHelp online counseling.

3. Try Medications.

Medications such as antidepressants are prescribed sometimes in conjunction with other therapy.

A study on pharmacological treatment for OCD showed that approximately 70% patients could be benefited from proper medications. But, only medications can rarely relieve the symptoms.

4. Educate Yourself About OCD.

To manage the symptoms of OCD, you must have the proper knowledge of this particular disorder. The progress of your treatment depends on your understanding of OCD and the treatment method.

5. Listen to Your Favorite Music.

Music can be a good way to manage the symptoms of OCD. Researchers found that music can reduce anxiety levels by redirecting thoughts.

In a research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, 30 patients with OCD participated. All of them received the standard therapy, while some of them were assigned an extra 12 sessions of music therapy.

After one month, those who received music therapy showed a better result in reducing the symptoms of OCD.

6. Try Meditation.

Many OCD patients find meditation quite helpful in relieving anxiety and depression. Research published in BMC Psychiatry showed that mindfulness-based meditation could help people better manage their OCD symptoms.

7. Do Regular Exercise.

Regular exercises like walking or yoga can help reduce anxiety and stress. Research published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine & Public Health reported that regular walks could help reduce the symptoms of OCD.

According to another study, moderate aerobic exercises relieve OCD symptoms in one week.

8. Consume Food Rich in Zinc.

Research published in Biological Trace Element Research reported that mild OCD patients have 69% lower zinc in their body than those without OCD.

Another research published in 2012 found that a combination of fluoxetine and zinc can reduce OCD symptoms better than fluoxetine alone. So, it’s important to consume foods that have this essential element. Seafood, fish, beans, nuts, meats, and dairy products are rich in zinc.

Bottom Line

OCD can cause a serious problem in your life if you don’t take the necessary steps in the early stage.

You need to stay positive while dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder. You have to be patient and co-operative if you want the treatment works properly. Talk to your family and your loved ones and try to get their support.

If you know someone with OCD, don’t give up on them. With proper guidance and kindness, you can help them manage their symptoms. And if you’re not comfortable talking to a doctor or counselor in-person, you can always get help through online counseling.