How to control and mitigate effects of OCD?

I'm sorry to hear of your sister's struggles.

There are many methods that are used to control and mitigate the effects of OCD. Yes, behavioral therapy is an option, either from a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Before moving on to other treatments, it may be worth trying again with therapy, as it is the least invasive method of treatment. Maybe trying out another psychologist might help.

If not, the psychologist can refer you on to a psychiatrist. Medication is an option and has shown to be very effective; there are many different kinds to try. A psychiatrist will likely prescribe medication.

There are also some experimental methods of treatment than have been hypothesized The naturally occurring sugar inositol has also been suggested as a treatment for OCD. It seems to modulate the actions of serotonin and reverse desensitization of neurotransmitter receptors. Nutritional deficiencies are also likely to contribute to OCD. Vitamin and mineral supplements are likely to aid those suffering from OCD and provide nutrients necessary for proper mental functioning. Opioids such as hydrocodone and tramadol are also likely to help with OCD symptoms. Tramadol is an atypical opioid that appears to provide the anti-OCD effects of an opiate and inhibit the re-uptake of serotonin.

Oral morphine has also shown to reduce OCD symptoms in some patients. The mechanism of this therapeutic action is unknown. Although controversial, psychedelics such as LSD, peyote and tryptamine alkaloid psilocybin have also said to help with OCD symptoms. It has also been hypothesized that hallucinogens may help out with OCD. Nicotine has also said to help out.

For very severe causes of OCD, Electroconvulsive therapy and Psychosurgery are also effective. Keep in mind though, they are for very severe cases.

It's probably best to start off seeing another psychologist first, and then moving towards a psychiatrist for some medication.

I hope I've helped and good luck!

OCD is an anxiety spectrum disorder, and the obsessions and compulsions are a way of avoiding, or coping with it, so; treat the underlying anxiety effectively, replacing your habit with the EFT, below, or (hopefully only temporarily) something more socially acceptable, like using worry beads, stress ball, electronic palm held game, or stringing beads, etc. It's important to regularly monitor, and deal with a negative internal monologue (self talk), or mental process, such as disturbing thoughts, images, impulses, or emotions, by the process of (a): recognising it, and (b): challenging it immediately. Technique For Re-Programming Negative Thoughts: When you notice something negative, such as: "I can't do this/ am never going to get over this!" or: "Why am I always so pathetic/useless/such a loser?" or even an image, emotion, or a memory; recognise that it is being generated from the negative part of your mind. Having identified and labelled it, visualise a large, red, flashing, "STOP!" sign, and/or possibly a stern faced person wagging an index finger at you in a negative manner, then say to yourself as forcefully as you can, even aloud in a big voice, if alone: "I know this tactic: GO AWAY FOR A WHILE !!!" You may want to use either: "ruse", "ploy", "game", or "trick". In the case of an image, visualise a large "STOP" sign, or your preferred version. Some people go so far as to keep a wide rubber band in their pocket, then put it around their wrist, when they catch themselves backsliding, stretch and release it, as a method of reprogramming their mind sooner, but I don't regard it as being strictly necessary.

Remember to remove it, afterwards, if you use this method. Practice a relaxation method, daily, and when needed, such as: (free) http://www.drcoxconsulting.com/managing-stress.htm... or http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/mindbody/a/Meditat... or http://www.wikihow.com/Meditate Tai Chi, yoga, or Qi Gong suits others better. Give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you. Use the searchbar at http://www.mercola.com/ "EFT" & "EFT therapists" and/or see the 13 free videos at http://www.tapping.com/ - There is a version for use in public places, (if anyone asks, you can claim to have a headache, as you massage/lightly tap your temples, but you would then be restricted to subvocalising: saying it to yourself in your mind: "Even though I sometimes suffer from obsessions/compulsions, I deeply and completely accept myself." Herbal remedies, such as St. John's wort, are often effective, but the idea is (as with anxiolytic medication) to use them like water wings, or training wheels on a bicycle, providing initial support, and giving time for other treatments, such as therapy, and relaxation techniques, to take effect.

A free E course in CBT for anxiety is at: http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome Books: Coping With OCD: Practical Strategies for Living Well With Obsessive-compulsive Disorder by Bruce M., Ph.D. Hyman and Troy Dufrene, and/or: Overcoming Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Client Manual: A Behavioral and Cognitive Protocol for the Treatment of OCD (Best Practices Series) by Gail Steketee, from your bookstore, or amazon.com Hypnosis is merely a heightened state of suggestibility, in which you are better able to communicate with your subconscious mind. 85% of people are suggestible, to some extent, so consider professional hypnotherapy, or more alternatives along such lines are at http://your-mental-health.8m.com/blank_25.html and page F.

you need to see a doctor and work this out, it can be managed but only with understanding and care

I take Fluoxetine witch is prozac for my OCD, it helps me just fine