SSRIs, which include the popular Prozac, are some of the same medications used to treat mood disorders. These drugs work best in tandem with behavioral therapy to help the patient confront and manage their anxiety. Individuals seeking treatment for symptoms of OCD should ask their doctor for referral to an appropriate specialist. Treatment success is measured via the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, based on symptom relief. Behavioral therapy works a little better, says Spiegel.
Some patients never receive behavioral therapy because they live too far from treatment centers.
But even a little relief can mean a very big change in the quality of life. As more high-profile OCD sufferers like O'Donnell and others go public with their struggles, hopefully those who suffer in silence and shame will be encouraged to seek treatment. They may wash their hands a little more often or rearrange a few more magazines, but they can experience a fundamental change for the better. Mike Falcon is staff editor.