- Date posted
- 3y
Does ERP works?
Does ERP works for OCD and how much time it takes for contamination OCD? Secondly, is it completely curable?
Does ERP works for OCD and how much time it takes for contamination OCD? Secondly, is it completely curable?
Recovery time is not a guarantee but generally the more exposure you're able to do the better. OCD is chronic, however I have several themes that were of great distress to me which I can actively think about now with no real anxiety. The general issue is OCD can latch on to anything, this is why constant ERP is a must.
Hi Anonymous, Your peers' responses are spot on. ERP is the gold standard evidence based practice for treating OCD, meaning that it's the best therapy that has been studied and proven most effective. There is no specific timeframe for recovery, but we know from our research that concentrated ERP (twice weekly sessions for 4-6 weeks, decreasing in length and frequency as symptoms improve) has the best success rate, and many people experience significant improvement within that 1-2 month mark. We don't consider mental health conditions to be "cured," but we do consider them to no longer meet criteria and to be "in remission." I hope that helps!
What to do with those repititive thoughts that come in mind?
@Anonymous You let them be! Trying to make the thoughts go away means you're doing compulsions. Let the thoughts come, let yourself feel however you feel, and don't try to *do* anything about it. When you get out of the way and stop trying to fix it, they tend to go down on their own. It sounds like right now you're doing E without RP which typically makes OCD stronger. I really encourage you to at least start with an ERP therapist who can teach you how to do it effectively and become your own ERP coach!
@NOCD Therapist - Devon G. Ok thank you for your answer. I am thinking to start therapy..
im sorry i can’t answer the first question because i don’t really know much about erp specifically, but unfortunately i don’t think ocd is curable. i could be completely wrong haha but i don’t think it is
Yes, it a absolutely does. And no, no mental illness can be completely cured.
ERP is the best treatment out there right now for OCD! There’s not necessarily a time frame for it and depends on the work you put in. Even from the first session though you can maybe see a little difference! Not curable per say, but can go into a remission/much lower frequency and intensity. It’s completely worth it!
I am self practicing ERP through which i do expose myself to those fears and try not to do the compulsions but there are thoughts in my mind everytime that do not leave me. I feel pain in my brain...
Yes, ERP works. Providing that you fully engage with the therapy (if you don't - you only undermine your efforts and prolong recovery) And no I don't believe the condition to be chronic. I do believe this can be overcome, but you have to let go of all previous thinking and literally live a new life. No safety thinking/ doing ever!
Thank you for your positive answer. I am really hopeful to get well soon. Wish me good luck everyone... i really want to live a normal life
I found ERP to not be helpful. I focus on eliminating the compulsions and ruminating. I don't focus on habituation. There isn't a cure.
Does anyone have any tips that helped them? Mine is due to a specific person and I work with them so it’s been really difficult. I’ve started ERP which has been reaaalllllly challenging and I would love to hear from anyone else that has gone through any type of contamination ocd and how they have overcome or are fighting their way through it. Thank you!l
When you become a “conqueror” does it mean you’ve completed ERP or you’ve just gotten to a good place with it? If so, how long did it take to finish therapy and how did you finally make progress? I’m having a hard time sticking with it right now as it feels unproductive. I’ve been in ERP for about 2 months and I can’t wait to be done.
I'm trying to get my head around ERP. What is the best way to describe how it's a "solution." Imo I think OCD happens with people who are very concerned with their own genuine integrity and probably their own "morality." So when something (like an uncomfortable "real event" that actually happened) messes that up, it's hard to grapple with that...hence the endless rumination and trying to "problem solve" it. But the mind doesn't let you sleep (i.e. OCD) if something is controversial and doesn't sit with you. Or if you obsess over something and it's based on a rooted fear. You just can't "let it go," it has to be addressed and dealt with. But what happens when it is NEVER dealt with? How does ERP address that dilemma as a permanent solution? Or does ERP only address compulsions and anxiety, but it doesn't actually deal with the issue causing it. Do you ever get REAL peace of mind? Or is just something to make you feel "less anxious" etc? Thanks I just want peace of mind. I haven't had true peace of mind in several years.
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