People who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have repetitive thoughts and behaviors.
Even though they are aware that the repetition is uncalled for, it is something they simply cannot control.
If they don't perform their rituals then they experience excessive anxiety.
Although no obsessive compulsive disorder treatment provides a cure, many can help alleviate the symptoms.
Common Forms of OCD The most common forms of OCD usually fall within one of these categories:

• Washers and cleaners: Because of their fear of contamination, washers frequently shower and wash their hands while cleaners wash their clothes time and time again and constantly clean their home.
  
• Checkers: These people are constantly checking things, like if appliances have been turned off or if the doors are locked, for fear of something bad happening if they are not checked.
  
• Obsessionals: This refers to people who have scary or violent thoughts that show them hurting others.
  They try to counteract these thoughts by repetition of certain words, songs or prayer.
  
• Orderers: An orderer must have everything organized in a certain way and gets upset if their items are moved out of place.
  
• Hoarders: These individuals collect or keep things that are often useless but are fearful of throwing them away in case they may need it at a later time.
  

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment The treatment shown to be most effective is therapy although medication and a few self-help methods may aid in reducing anxiety levels.
Exposure & Response Prevention Therapies As the name suggests, this type of therapy makes you face your obsession without reacting to it.
For example, a washer may be asked to touch the floor but instead of being allowed to wash up they must sit and wait until their overwhelming desire to wash their hands subsides.
In this way they learn that nothing bad is going to happen to them should they not perform their compulsive ritual.
Cognitive Therapy This type of obsessive compulsive disorder treatment challenges your negative thoughts and helps you to realize that you can control your anxiety without resorting to rituals.
Medication The most common OCD medication is antidepressants but no medication on its own can effectively treat this disorder.
Medication is at its best when used along with some form of therapy.
Group Therapy Another viable obsessive compulsive disorder treatment is group therapy.
By meeting others with OCD you will get much needed support and you won't have that isolated feeling that many experience.
Self-help Some self-help strategies are shown below:

• Learn about OCD: Educate yourself about OCD.
  The more you know the more you will be able to control your obsessions and compulsions.
  
• Involve your friends and family: It's important to have someone you can turn to and support you.
  Getting them involved in your treatment can also help to keep you on track and prevent relapses.
  
• Try relaxation techniques: Certain relaxation therapies like breathing exercises, meditation and yoga can help reduce your anxiety symptoms.
  

The most effective type of obsessive compulsive disorder treatment varies from person to person as do the symptoms of OCD.
Friends and families of individuals suffering from OCD can greatly benefit by learning what they can concerning this disorder.
The more they know the more understanding they will become.