The 7 Best Nursing Care Plans for OCD

If you or a loved one suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), you may be wondering what to do for the best. This article will help you find the right care plan for your needs.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by uncontrollable thoughts and urges that lead to repetitive behavior. For some people, these compulsions become so extreme that they interfere with everyday life, causing extreme anxiety, depression, and other problems.

OCD is also sometimes called hoarding disorder, or compulsive buying disorder. It’s not uncommon for someone who has OCD to feel compelled to perform rituals that they believe will make them feel better. They might feel the need to wash their hands repeatedly, for example, or they may check their home or car for potential dangers dozens of times before leaving the house.

Some people have a fear of germs or contamination, so they may insist on washing their hands for long periods of time. Others may be afraid of losing control, and they may feel the need to clean their house or car over and over again to prevent this from happening. In this article, we will help you find the best nursing care plan for your needs.

1. CBT

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on modifying unhelpful thinking patterns, such as catastrophizing or rumination, says Dr. Sanjeet Diwan. Therapy can teach you new strategies for managing anxiety, and CBT is effective across many different types of OCD.

2. Exposure and Response Prevention

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) involves deliberately exposing yourself to situations that trigger symptoms of OCD, and then responding appropriately, rather than engaging in rituals. For example, instead of washing your hands when you’re worried about contamination, you’d practice tolerating being around others while avoiding touching your face, or simply avoiding hand washing altogether.

3. Medication

Medication may be used to treat severe cases of OCD, though medication alone is unlikely to be sufficient for managing symptoms. Antidepressants, specifically serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often used for OCD, especially when symptoms persist despite treatment with CBT. Some people also experience benefits from antidepressants, known as augmentation, when used alongside CBT.

4. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can help people develop coping skills and address underlying issues, such as trauma or relationship problems, that may contribute to OCD. Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy are some of the most effective forms of psychotherapy.

5. Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-based therapies, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), focus on teaching people how to be more present and aware in the moment. Mindfulness-based therapies have been found to be effective for reducing symptoms of OCD, especially in patients who also suffer from depression.

6. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help people develop a greater acceptance of themselves and their OCD. ACT encourages people to accept and commit to their values and goals, rather than constantly trying to control their thoughts and behaviors.

7. Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis, or hypnotherapy, can help you overcome the urge to engage in repetitive rituals, like washing your hands over and over again. You may also be able to learn to manage anxiety in other ways.

The creation of a nursing care plan requires an understanding of the patient’s physical and mental health, any previous medical treatments and illnesses, current medication dosages, and any other relevant factors. The plan should also contain the patient’s goals, wishes, and any problems that the patient is experiencing.

It is often helpful to have a copy of the plan available to the patient and their family, especially when the patient is unable to read it themselves. Sometimes a caregiver is hired to write a plan for a patient. If a caregiver is involved, it is usually because the patient has an impaired ability to communicate.