How to Stop OCD Cleaning

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be something that is quite debilitating for many individuals who are living with it. Frequent cleaning and disinfecting can be a symptom of OCD-related cleaning. For some, these symptoms and compulsions can start to take over their lives.

Coping and treating OCD-related cleaning can help significantly improve your life if you’re struggling with it. Here are some tips and strategies for how to stop OCD cleaning and coping with the symptoms.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can cause intrusive thoughts or disturbing mental images that sometimes won’t go away. As a result of this, people with obsessive-compulsive disorder may feel the desire urge to complete specific repeated actions. 

These actions can be physical or mental. It is based on the belief that completing those actions will stop something bad from happening or push a mental thought away. This can be highly debilitating, uncomfortable, and take over a person’s life. 

It is of the utmost importance that OCD is recognised and treated. Many therapies and treatments have had great success, so early recognition can help someone maintain an uninterrupted life.

Let it be known that OCD should not be confused with germophobia as it may not necessarily correlate with how clean an item actually is. It may more so be concerned with the need to complete that repetitive pattern. However, there can be an obsession with contamination. Once again, this is more to do with the obsessive compulsion than the reality of the situation.

Treatment Options

While you cannot stop or prevent OCD, it is possible to live with it. Speak to someone about the following treatment options for how to stop OCD cleaning

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy works to restructure the way the brain thinks. It works to create new pathways so that you may build new patterns and behaviours. 

With this treatment, patients meet with a therapist who can help decrease anxiety or symptoms that they may be experiencing. Therapists teach patients to reroute these negative thoughts or behaviours in a more positive or productive way. 

Medication

Medication has also been known to help reduce symptoms of OCD. While it may not be for everyone, it’s essential to consult with a doctor before starting or stopping any medications. It is also important to note that not every remedy works for everyone, and results may vary.

Exposure and Response Prevention

Exposure and response prevention have varied results and may not be for everyone. This type of therapy should only be done under the supervision of a trained professional as it can be dangerous or triggering for some individuals. 

Exposure and response prevention therapy works by identifying triggers that cause stress or symptoms. Then by working with a trained professional, you confront those triggers.

Start Your Journey Today

There are many options to help reduce OCD-related cleaning. You may have to try a few different solutions before finding what works for you. Be sure to consult a trained professional and explore your options to find a treatment. In time, you can find that you can live and enjoy your life while managing compulsions.

OCD & CBT

Cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective treatment for OCD disorders. This type of therapy teaches you how to modify the negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to your condition. It also helps you develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Access CBT offer CBT treatment for all types of OCD, depressive and anxiety disorder issues with in-person OCD CBT Counselling in Liverpool or Online Support

The NHS UK also offers a number of support groups and advice for those suffering from OCD disorders.