How to overcome the problem of repetitive behavior in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder patients can improve repetitive behavior through cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention training, medication therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction training, and family support interventions. Obsessive compulsive disorder is usually related to genetic factors, neurotransmitter imbalances, psychological trauma, personality traits, abnormal brain function, and other reasons.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps establish new thinking patterns by identifying and correcting patients' erroneous perceptions of repetitive behaviors. Therapists will guide patients to analyze the irrational beliefs behind compulsive behavior, such as excessive worry about catastrophic consequences or perfectionism tendencies. Patients need to cooperate in completing the thinking recording task and gradually replace compulsive thinking with reality testing. This therapy has a significant effect on mild to moderate compulsive behavior.

2. Exposure and Response Prevention

Exposure and response prevention is the process of allowing patients to actively engage in situations that trigger anxiety, while delaying or canceling subsequent compulsive behaviors. For example, after repeatedly touching the door handle, washing hands is prohibited, and the compulsive cycle can be broken by tolerating the natural disappearance of anxiety. In the initial stage, a graded exposure plan should be developed under the guidance of a therapist, starting from low anxiety scenarios for training. This method is particularly effective for compulsive behaviors related to examination and cleaning.

3. Drug therapy

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can regulate the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, and commonly used drugs include sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, etc. The medication needs to be taken continuously for a long time to show efficacy, and side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness may occur. The dosage should be strictly adjusted according to the doctor's advice. Patients with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder may consider using low-dose antipsychotic drugs in combination to enhance efficacy.

4. Mindfulness Stress Reduction Training

Mindfulness training teaches patients to observe compulsive thoughts from an observer's perspective without taking action, and to enhance their acceptance of current experiences through practices such as breathing meditation and body scanning. Daily adherence can reduce anxiety sensitivity and minimize repetitive behaviors triggered by emotional stress. It is suitable as an adjunct to other treatments and requires continuous practice to change the automatic compulsive response pattern.

5. Family Support Intervention

Family members should avoid criticizing the patient's compulsive behavior or excessive cooperation with their ritual movements, maintain a neutral attitude, and encourage positive change. Participating in psychological education courses together helps to understand the nature of the disease and establish reasonable rules for family interaction. Creating a relaxed environment while setting behavioral improvement goals is particularly crucial for the rehabilitation of children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder should maintain a regular daily routine and moderate exercise. Aerobic exercises such as yoga and jogging can alleviate anxiety. Adding foods rich in tryptophan, such as bananas and nuts, to the diet can help with neurotransmitter synthesis and avoid excessive intake of caffeine. Establish a symptom diary to record the triggering factors and improvement progress of behavior, and seek medical attention immediately when self injury or severe impairment of social function occurs. During the rehabilitation process, it is necessary to reward oneself for small progress and gradually replace compulsive rituals with adaptive behaviors.