For the longest time, OCD patients have been treated with medication (SNRIs, SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants) and psychotherapy. But there are many other surgical and non-surgical treatment options for treating OCD. These include TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), hypnosis, exercise and diet, DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation), craniotomy, gamma knife coagulative lesions, and implanting radioactive seeds.
TMS
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a method of treating OCD by using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This treatment is non-invasive, and has been shown to be effective in reducing OCD symptoms. Deep TMS™ by BrainsWay was the first TMS platform technology to have been cleared by the FDA as an effective OCD treatment. Deep TMS is unique and different from traditional TMS (figure-8 coil) treatments; it uses a patented H-Coil helmet which allows for more effective targeting of brain regions. It’s flexible and better suited to the scalp, and it successfully delivers targeted electrical impulses to target areas.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is another non-traditional treatment for OCD that can be used to help patients overcome their fears and intrusive thoughts. This treatment involves putting the patient into a trance-like state, where they are more open to suggestion. Hypnosis has been shown to be effective in treating OCD, and can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as medication and therapy.
Exercise and Diet
Exercise and diet are two important factors that can help improve the symptoms of OCD. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress levels, while a healthy diet can help improve mood and cognitive function. Both exercise and diet can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for OCD.
DBS: Deep Brain Stimulation
(DBS) is a surgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes into the brain. These electrodes are then used to deliver electrical impulses that help regulate the activity of brain circuits involved in OCD. DBS has been shown to be an effective treatment for OCD, and can provide long-term relief from symptoms.
Craniotomy
A craniotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the skull so that surgeons can access the brain. This procedure is usually only recommended for severe cases of OCD that have not responded to other treatments. Craniotomy can be an effective treatment for OCD, but it carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, stroke, and seizures.
Gamma Knife Coagulative Lesions
These are a type of radiation therapy that uses high-energy gamma rays to destroy areas of abnormal tissue in the brain involved in OCD. This treatment is usually only recommended for severe cases of OCD that have not responded to other treatments. Gamma knife coagulative lesions can be an effective treatment for OCD, but they carry some risks, including bleeding, stroke, seizures, and cancer.
Implanted Radioactive Seeds
Implanted radioactive seeds are a type of radiation therapy that uses low-energy gamma rays to destroy areas of abnormal tissue in the brain involved in OCD. This treatment is usually only recommended for severe cases of OCD.
D-cycloserine for Treating OCD
D-cycloserine is an antibiotic that has been shown to be effective in treating OCD. This medication works by helping to regulate the activity of brain circuits involved in OCD. D-cycloserine is typically used in conjunction with other treatments, such as medication and therapy. The success rate of d-cycloserine for treating OCD varies depending on the severity of the disorder, but this medication can provide significant relief from symptoms for many patients.
The Multisensory Therapy as an Alternative for the Treatment of OCD
Multisensory therapy is a type of treatment that uses a combination of different senses to help patients overcome their fears and intrusive thoughts. This therapy can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as medication and therapy. Multisensory therapy has been shown to be effective in treating OCD, and can provide long-term relief from symptoms.
What Are the Risks for Invasive Surgical Procedures for OCD?
There are several risks associated with invasive surgical intervention for OCD, including infection, bleeding, stroke, seizures, and cancer. In some cases, these risks may outweigh the benefits of surgery. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of any proposed treatment with a qualified medical professional before deciding
What is the Success Rate of Non-Traditional OCD Treatments?
The success rate of other OCD treatments varies depending on the specific treatment and the severity of the disorder. Some treatments, such as TMS and DBS, have been shown to be effective in reducing OCD symptoms in a majority of patients. Other treatments, such as hypnosis and exercise, may be less effective but can still provide some benefit.
