Evidence Based Treatments for OCD: A Simple Guide

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects millions of people worldwide. It involves intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that feel impossible to ignore. The good news: research shows that OCD can be effectively treated using specific therapies and, in some cases, medication.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): The gold standard

What it is:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological therapy that helps you understand and change unhelpful thought patterns leading to emotional distress and unhelpful maladaptive behaviours.

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a branch of CBT.

• ERP is the gold standard treatment for OCD, meaning it has a large research base demonstrating it to be the most effective psychological intervention for treating OCD

How it works:

• You gradually face the thoughts, images, or situations that trigger your OCD (exposure).

• You resist performing the compulsive behaviour (response prevention).

• Over time, anxiety decreases naturally, and the brain learns the obsession isn’t dangerous.

• Most people see significant improvement after structured ERP therapy.

Other Psychological Therapies for OCD

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
  Focuses on accepting intrusive thoughts (instead of fighting or engaging with them) and committing to meaningful actions.

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy:
  Teaches awareness and acceptance of thoughts without judgment or the pressure to “do” anything with them, and thereby helping to reduce engagement in compulsive behaviours.

• Family Therapy (for children with OCD):
  Supports parents and loved ones caring for children to understand OCD and reduce enabling compulsions. There is some research that shows working with parents is equally as effective as working directly with children with OCD.

Medication

What it is:

• Certain medications, particularly Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine and sertraline, have been shown to reduce OCD symptoms in some people.

How it works:

• These medications adjust serotonin levels in the brain, which may help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsions.

• Medication is often used alongside therapy for better results, especially in moderate to severe OCD.

• Medications must be used under medical guidance. Those considering this option should consult their treating doctor (GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician) for advice.

When to Seek Professional Help

• OCD symptoms interfere with daily life, work, or relationships.

• You feel as though compulsions are uncontrollable or cause substantial distress.

• Self-help alone isn’t enough — trained therapists can provide structured ERP, guidance, and support.

Key Takeaways

• ERP is the most effective therapy for OCD.

• Mindfulness, ACT, and family support can complement primary treatment.

• Medication can help, especially when combined with therapy.

• OCD is treatable, and recovery is possible with consistent, evidence-based care.