If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you may feel the need to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. This can be a difficult habit to break, but there are treatments available that can help. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of OCD hand washing treatment options that are available. We will also provide tips for overcoming your compulsion to wash your hands!
Contents
What is OCD Of Hand Washing?
OCD hand washing is a type of OCD that involves repetitive hand-washing behaviors. It may be caused by an obsession with cleanliness, as well as fear of contamination or germs. It is also known as contamination OCD. Some common examples of obsessions and compulsions related to OCD of hand washing include:
- Fear of dirt/germs on hands.
- Washing hands excessively (over 20 times a day).
- Repeatedly checking if your hands are clean.
- Excessively scrubbing your skin until it is raw and irritated.
Is There A Permanent Treatment For OCD Contamination?
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for OCD contamination. However, with proper treatment and support, people can learn to manage their compulsions and live relatively normal lives. It includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and other psychological treatments.
What Are The OCD Hand Washing Treatment?
Now that you know what OCD of hand washing is, let’s discuss the treatment options that are available:
Medications
Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are the most common medications prescribed for OCD. These medications can help reduce your obsessions and compulsions related to hand washing. This includes decreasing the frequency of washing and decreasing your anxiety. At least a 3 months or longer treatment period is recommended for the most effective results.
Psychological Therapies
There are several different types of Psychological therapies that can be used to treat OCD hand washing. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, and habit reversal training (HRT).
CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps people identify, understand, and change their thoughts and behaviors related to the disorder. It is often used in conjunction with medication for the best results.
ERP involves exposing yourself to situations or objects associated with your fear of contamination while teaching yourself not to react with compulsive behavior. The goal is to eventually be able to resist the urge to wash your hands during these situations.
HRT is a type of behavior therapy that helps people learn to recognize and resist their compulsions related to hand washing. It involves identifying the situations or objects that trigger your compulsion and learning strategies to counter them.
Hypnosis is another treatment option that has been used to help people with OCD with hand washing. It is a type of psychotherapy that helps modify behavior by inducing a deeply relaxed state and focusing the patient’s attention on positive thoughts or suggestions.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy is a newer treatment option for OCD. It involves implanting electrodes in the brain to send electrical signals that help reduce symptoms of OCD. Though this type of treatment is not yet widely available, it has been found to be very effective in some patients with severe cases of OCD hand washing.
Tips for Overcoming OCD Hand Washing
Here are some tips you can use to help overcome your compulsion to wash your hands:
Focus on the Present
Don’t get caught up in worrying about past mistakes or future fears. Instead, focus on the present moment and what is happening right now. Grounding training can help you stay in the present moment.
Practice mindful awareness
Pay attention when you feel the urge to wash your hands and try not to act on it right away. Take some time to think about why you feel compelled to do so and see if there is another way you can cope with it without engaging in the compulsive behavior.
Set realistic goals
Make a list of achievable goals that you can work on every day to reduce your hand washing. These could include decreasing the number of times you wash your hands in a day, reducing how long you wash them or substituting other activities instead.
Create a distraction And Healthy Routine
When faced with an urge to wash your hands, try distracting yourself by engaging in another activity such as reading, listening to music, or calling someone on the phone. Establishing a healthy routine can also help you stay on track with your goals. This could include enough sleep, a healthy diet, exercise, and managing stress. Make sure to avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol as these can increase anxiety.
Seek support
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family when dealing with OCD hand washing. They can offer encouragement and assistance when needed. With this support, you will be more likely to stick with your treatment plan and overcome your OCD. After that, self-care is also important.
Use relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with your condition, making it easier to resist the urge to engage in compulsive behavior.
Talk to a professional
If you find yourself unable to control your compulsions despite trying the above tips, consider seeking help from a mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist who can provide further guidance. They can assess your condition and recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
Dermatological Treatments
If your skin becomes dry or irritated due to excessive hand washing, there are several dermatological treatments that can help. These include moisturizing creams, exfoliating scrubs, and special gloves that protect the hands from irritants.
Conclusion
OCD hand washing is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder that can be difficult to manage. However, with the right treatment and support, it is possible to reduce or even eliminate it entirely. If you’re struggling with this condition, don’t be afraid to reach out for help from your friends, family, or a mental health professional. With persistence and dedication, you can overcome OCD hand washing and lead a more fulfilling life.
For more information and guidance, please contact MantraCare. OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions. If you have any queries regarding Online OCD Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial OCD therapy session
