Getting the Best Treatment For OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) - OCD Treatment

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

David: I would imagine that makes treatment all the more difficult and complicated. Is that true?

Dr. Tarlow: Yes, it is important to determine which problem should be treated first.

ruffledfeatheredloon: Someone said OCD is caused by tightness in the brain and that you should learn to relax your brain. They said especially the part between your eyes. How can you do that? I don't understand.

Dr. Tarlow: I wish it was that simple. I don't think there is any research evidence that shows that technique will help people with OCD.

David: Earlier, someone sent in a question about which books might be helpful in understanding OCD and also deals with self-help issues. Here's a link to the Anxiety and OCD bookstore. I think you'll find what you are looking for.

Are there any books that you would recommend, Dr. Tarlow?

Dr. Tarlow: Getting Control, by Lee Baer, is an excellent self help book. There are others by Edna Foa and Gail Steketee that are also very good.

firespark3: Do you have any tips for people with trichotillomania?

Dr. Tarlow: Trichotillomania can best be treated with a technique called habit reversal. It is different from OCD treatment. It involves learning to break the conditioned, or learned habit.

David: And how is that accomplished?

Dr. Tarlow: It involves a series of techniques including relaxation training, self monitoring, learning to use a competing response and several more.

David: There is one last thing I'd like to touch on. What help is available for family members of OCD sufferers?

Dr. Tarlow: There is an excellent book by Herb Gravitz that should be read by family members. There are also family support groups available. Finally, I would encourage family members to go to the therapy sessions with the patient, learn what the therapy involves and how to help out.

David: What can family members do to help the OCD patient?

Dr. Tarlow: They need to know what the patient's assignments are. They should not do compulsions for the patient. They should not get angry at the patient.

David: I know the last thing might be pretty difficult -- not getting angry at the patient. I'm sure that's where therapy for family members would be a help.

Dr. Tarlow: Yes.

David: Thank you, Dr. Tarlow, for being our guest tonight and for sharing this information with us. And to those in the audience, thank you for coming and participating. I hope you found it helpful.

Also, if you found our site beneficial, I hope you'll pass our URL around to your friends, mail list buddies, and others. http://www.healthyplace.com

Dr. Tarlow: It was my pleasure. Thank you for having me.

David: Good night, everyone.

Disclaimer: We are not recommending or endorsing any of the suggestions of our guest. In fact, we strongly encourage you to talk over any therapies, remedies or suggestions with your doctor BEFORE you implement them or make any changes in your treatment.

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