Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be frustrating and discouraging. Intrusive, unwanted thoughts and irrational, uncontrolled urges associated with OCD interfere with your daily routine and can put your career, relationships, and self-esteem at risk.
Proper treatment can alleviate your symptoms and allow you to regain control over your behavior, significantly improving your life. Unfortunately, conventional OCD treatment options have their limitations. Cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response therapy, and medications such as SSRIs may work for some patients, but many others only experience partial relief from their symptoms. Some people may encounter unwelcome side effects as well – and according to a report from Harvard Medical School, roughly 10% of patients with OCD will get worse despite these treatments.
The good news is, there are some alternative OCD treatments available for those who are having difficulty finding relief. Here are a few commonly used alternative therapies that may help reduce your OCD symptoms and raise your quality of life.
Herbal Remedies
St. John’s Wort is a flowering plant with natural antidepressant qualities. It’s been used for centuries in the treatment of anxiety and depression, and some studies have shown it may lead to a reduction in OCD symptoms, as well. To avoid the risk of harmful drug interactions or dangerous side effects, though, it’s important to seek the advice of your medical provider before taking any herbal supplements, including St. John’s Wort.
Lifestyle Changes
Proper self-care positively impacts a person’s physical and mental wellbeing, and it can potentially help minimize OCD symptoms as well. Exercise is key to reducing anxiety and regulating cortisol levels. Some studies have shown a regular yoga practice can be an effective strategy for managing OCD. Changes to your diet, such as reducing caffeine intake and eliminating alcohol, may also help. And incorporating mindful meditation into your daily routine brings awareness to your thoughts, encouraging detachment from compulsive behaviors.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
When medication and psychotherapy fail to work, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS, may improve OCD symptoms for some patients. rTMS is a non-invasive procedure involving an electromagnetic coil placed against your forehead. The coil sends magnetic pulses through your skin to stimulate areas of your brain that regulate mood. Many studies show rTMS has a positive effect on patients struggling with depression, anxiety, and OCD.
Deep Brain Stimulation
In cases where OCD is highly resistant to treatment, deep brain stimulation may be suggested. Deep brain stimulation, or DBS, involves the surgical placement of electrodes in specific areas of the brain. The electrodes are connected to a pulse generator by wires implanted beneath the skin. These pulses are used to send electrical signals that help regulate abnormal activity in the brain cells. Because of the serious nature of this surgery, DBS is only recommended for people with severe OCD symptoms.
Clinical Research Studies
New medications and therapies to treat OCD are being developed every day. Before they become available to the general public, these treatments must undergo thorough evaluation from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to ensure both safety and effectiveness. These evaluations often take the form of clinical research studies, in which people suffering from OCD participate in highly regulated and monitored trials run by medical professionals. By participating in a clinical trial, you can gain access to cutting-edge OCD treatments while contributing to the advancement of OCD research.
Synergy Research Centers Offers OCD Clinical Trials in San Diego
If you’re struggling with the symptoms of OCD, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical research study at Synergy Research Centers in San Diego. We offer the latest treatments for OCD, free to those who qualify. Our highly experienced medical staff will oversee every aspect of your treatment, providing you with close oversight to ensure your health and safety.
The treatment you receive during an OCD clinical trial could have the potential to dramatically improve your life. For more information on our current trials, call us at (888) 539-0282.