First Line Treatment

The reader must be aware that the following information about treatment options is intended only as a range of treatment approaches available for people with OCD. The goal is to provide an overall understanding of these therapies sufficient to enable more informed interactions with physicians and therapists. The numerous OCD treatment options currently available, and the variability of specific OCD characteristics, are taken into account by physicians and therapists when making treatment recommendations. Better insights into these factors will, hopefully, allow patients and families to be more active participants in discussions and treatment decision-making with their OCD specialists.

The two principal types of OCD treatment are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication. Evidence of clinical effectiveness has been amply demonstrated for both and each has a role in OCD symptom control. Whether to begin treatment with CBT, medication, or both, depends on the assessment of the type and severity of the OCD, practitioner experience and preference, and patient health and coexisting medical problems. The latter must be considered carefully in order to minimise the risk of treatment noncompliance.

FIRST LINE TREATMENT WITH COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY

Cognitive therapy and behavioural therapy are separate but complementary treatment methods.

NEUROTRANSMITTERS AS TARGETS FOR DRUG THERAPY

Imbalances of certain neurotransmitters are thought to play important roles in OCD. Most current and emerging drug treatments for OCD…

FIRST LINE DRUG TREATMENT OF OCD

Selected drugs that are commonly used, or show promise, in OCD management are included in this section, and the information will be updated…