Ailments females have more cleaning indications and

ailments. Females have more cleaning indications and higher comorbidity with eating and
impulse-control illnesses (Tanidir et al., 2015). Further research is necessary but, initial studies
indicate that gender might influence the disorder manifestation. Gender is an important element
that ought to be considered when assessing OCD sufferers (Tanidir et al., 2015). We will next
examine the best effective treatments for (OCD) obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Current Best Practice Treatments
OCD treatments may not result in a cure, but can help keep a person’s symptoms under
control so they do not take over a person’s daily life (Mayo Clinic, 2013). There are two main
treatments for OCD, psychotherapy and medications. The most effective treatment for obsessive-
compulsive disorder is (CBT) “cognitive behavior therapy and medication” (International OCD
Foundation, 2015). A specific type of psychotherapy when dealing with someone with OCD is
exposure and response prevention (ERP). This type of psychotherapy involves gradually
exposing one’s self to images, thoughts, feared objects or obsessions, such as dirt. ERP is
typically done under the guidance and a licensed medical professional such as, social worker, a
psychologist, or counselor of mental health in an outpatient setting (International OCD
Foundation, 2015). This type of therapy helps a person learn healthier ways to cope with their
anxiety along with medications such as antidepressants. Most commonly, antidepressants are
usually tried first. Exposure therapy takes a lot of practice and effort, once a person learns to
manage their obsession and compulsions they may enjoy life a little better (International OCD
Foundation, 2015) .

6
Sometimes ERP treatment and antidepressants are not effective enough to control OCD
symptoms, and a person still having trouble there are other treatment options available. There is a
traditional setting where the patient seeks individual sessions usually once or twice a week. For
the more intensive outpatient some may choose to attend a group setting and individual sessions
several days a week. There is also a day program; this allows patients to be in a group or
individual setting during the day, generally at a mental health treatment center. Furthermore,
some may choose to be hospitalized, this type of treatment is done” in an unlocked mental health
center or hospital” (International OCD Foundation, 2015). The highest level of care for someone
with OCD would be an inpatient care facility; this type is done in a locked unit on an involuntary
or voluntary basis. Many at this level are unable to care for themselves or others. The goal is to
stabilize the patient in which it can take days or weeks, and then they transfer the patient to a
lower level. Treating OCD can be difficult at times and requires courage and determination, so
having the right kind of support can make a big difference in helping a person overcome
obsessive-compulsive disorder. Finally let’s take a look at we have learned about OCD
(International OCD Foundation, 2015).