Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, can be debilitating, interrupting an individual's daily routine of functioning. The repeating of words in the head is the compulsive component of OCD. The positive news is that many treatments are available to address and treat the repetition associated with OCD.
Diagnosis and Medication
OCD is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by recurrent obsessive behaviors and compulsive rituals that include repeating words in the head. Repeating words in the head is the process by which an individual repeats the same set of words over and over again in his head until his anxiety subsides. A formal diagnosis is made by a skilled clinician, who is able to collect information and identify the symptoms the individual presents with.
One traditional form of treatment for repetition of words is psychotropic medication, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Examples are Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro and Luvox, and range in dosage from 20mg to 200mg. It is believed that people who suffer from OCD have lower levels of serotonin in their brains. The replacement of serotonin assists in decreasing the uncontrollable and ritualistic behaviors.
Along with SSRIs, many doctors use other drugs to augment the effects of the prescribed medication. Medications such as Klonopin and Xanax are used to decrease levels of anxiety. These medications range in dosage from 0.25mg to 2mg and are considered to be short-term solutions.
Complying with all treatment recommendations may help bring relief from OCD symptoms.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
An additional treatment for the compulsive component of OCD is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy works well with the compulsive behaviors of repeating words in the head. The therapist and individual meet for 40 to 50 minutes one time weekly and homework is often part of the treatment.
The therapist challenges the patient to confront the irrational beliefs associated with repeating certain words and helps her to focus on identifying the benefits of giving up the ritualistic behaviors. Oftentimes a therapist will assign homework to the patient to help lend insight into her self-defeating behaviors.
The combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy provides an appropriate foundation for individuals to address the rituals associated with OCD.
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