For many, the best OCD treatment isn’t either/or—it’s therapy and medication working together. Learn how psychiatric treatment for OCD can support lasting progress.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is more than a simple preference for order or cleanliness.
It’s a chronic mental health condition that can seriously interfere with daily life. While therapy—especially exposure and response prevention (ERP)—is often the first line of treatment, many people find that psychiatric treatment for OCD, including medication, plays a vital role in managing symptoms and achieving lasting progress.
Today we’re sharing more about Sonder’s approach to providing psychiatric treatment for OCD:
What is OCD?
OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety. These cycles can be exhausting, time-consuming, and distressing.
OCD is not something you can just “think your way out of,” which is why professional treatment is essential.
How ERP therapy helps
ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) is the gold standard for OCD therapy. It helps individuals gradually face their fears without engaging in compulsive behaviors. Over time, this process reduces anxiety and weakens the obsessive-compulsive cycle.
While ERP is highly effective, not everyone is able to fully engage in the therapy at first. That’s where psychiatric treatment for OCD can make a significant difference.
The role of psychiatry in OCD treatment
Medication doesn’t replace therapy, but it can enhance it. For many individuals, a combination of ERP and medication provides the best outcomes. A psychiatric provider can:
- Evaluate your symptoms and treatment history
- Prescribe medications that target OCD-specific symptoms
- Monitor side effects and adjust dosage as needed
- Collaborate with your therapist to coordinate care
Common medications used in psychiatric treatment for OCD include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or fluvoxamine. These medications can reduce the intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive urges, making it easier to participate in therapy.
Coordinated care makes a difference
When your psychiatric provider and therapist work together, treatment becomes more effective. A coordinated care team can:
- Track your progress from multiple perspectives
- Adjust treatment plans in real time
- Support you through setbacks or medication changes
Collaborative care also helps reduce the frustration of having to repeat your story to different providers. At our clinic, we prioritize communication between your care team so that you feel supported every step of the way.
When to consider medication
You may want to explore psychiatric treatment for OCD if:
- Therapy alone hasn’t provided enough relief
- Your symptoms are severe or interfering with daily life
- You feel too anxious or overwhelmed to start ERP therapy
- You’re experiencing co-occurring issues like depression or panic
Medication can make symptoms more manageable, allowing you to fully benefit from therapy.
Looking for additional treatment options beyond medication and therapy?
Learn how TMS therapy for OCD can help reduce symptoms by directly targeting the brain circuits involved in obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
You don’t have to choose alone
If you’re unsure whether medication could help your OCD treatment, start by talking to a psychiatric provider. We’ll help you understand your options, answer your questions, and work closely with your therapist if you already have one.
Whether you’re just beginning treatment or looking to take the next step, psychiatric treatment for OCD can be a powerful part of your healing process.
Reach out today! Fill out the contact form on our website or call us at (952) 999-6097 to schedule your first appointment and get started on the path to feeling better.
Want to learn more about psychiatric treatment for OCD? We’d love to talk with you.