OCD is a psychiatric disorder that affects 2-3% of the population. Individuals suffering from OCD are compelled to engage in repetitive behaviors in order to alleviate anxiety caused by their obsessions. The following tips can help LTC facilities manage residents suffering from OCD.

• Refer residents for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment, which may include medications such as antidepressants, anxiolytics and antipsychotics.
• Add the OCD diagnosis to the resident’s care plan upon admission. Give the resident goals and ways to achieve those goals. 
• Alert nurses and nurses aides to the resident’s condition so they can look for symptoms and help residents identify them which may help reduce stress and minimize compulsions.
• Refer the resident to a psychologist for therapy. Therapies may include:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – helps change obsessive thought patterns and behaviors.
  • Psychodynamic Therapy – assists residents in realizing their feelings and unconscious thoughts while providing ways to cope.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – teaches residents to accept and understand their inner feelings so they can work on their responses to those feelings.
  • Family Support – getting family members involved in therapeutic treatment can be greatly beneficial to residents.

“OCD is a serious condition that can severely affect the well-being of LTC residents. At SpecialtyRx we offer an array of effective medications to help alleviate OCD symptoms. We work with facility physicians to provide the best treatment possible,” stated Hema Shaddarshanam, Pharmacist In Charge.