While OCD isn’t “curable,” it is treatable. Research from 2017 noted the symptoms of OCD can be managed effectively.
There are a few different treatments for OCD.
Talk therapy
Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy, is one of the most common and effective ways to treat OCD. One kind of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), called exposure and response prevention (ERP), is particularly effective.
ERP helps you learn to stop engaging in compulsions. While this can be difficult in the short term, it eventually reduces the strength of the obsessions.
For example, ERP for contamination OCD could include avoiding your usual washing rituals or allowing yourself to get dirty.
Acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and imaginal exposure are also commonly used to treat OCD.
Medication
Some people with OCD benefit from using medication, but some do not. For people who do benefit from medication, their OCD symptoms can reduce by 40-60%.
One kind of medication that is commonly prescribed for OCD is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are prescription drugs often used for anxiety and depression.
While there are many treatment options for OCD, ERP and SSRIs are the most effective.