Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Q Can OCD be managed at a Korean medicine clinic alone, or is psychiatric treatment essential?

A. For mild or early-stage cases, Korean medicine management alone is possible. For moderate or more severe cases, psychiatric collaboration is strongly recommended. The two treatments are complementary.

Q I’ve heard that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression often occur together. Can I receive treatment for both at Dongjedang?

A. Yes. Approximately 50–60% of patients with OCD also suffer from depression. At Dongjedang, we address both symptoms simultaneously by treating both heart-spleen deficiency and liver qi stagnation together.

Q Are there ways to reduce compulsive behaviors on your own?

A. A self-directed version of ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) — practicing delaying compulsive acts by 15 minutes — can be helpful. However, professional guidance is necessary for severe cases.

Q Should family members keep accommodating the patient's compulsive behaviors?

A. No. Family accommodation — going along with compulsive rituals — provides short-term reassurance but reinforces OCD over time. A consistently non-accommodating stance supports treatment.

Q Can herbal medicine cause side effects such as drowsiness or digestive discomfort?

A. Spirit-calming herbal formulas may cause drowsiness in a small number of patients. For those with a sensitive digestive system, digestive-supporting herbs are included in the prescription to minimize stomach discomfort.

Q Is Korean medicine treatment for OCD safe for pregnant women and adolescents?

A. For pregnant women, strongly sedating herbs are restricted; for adolescents, formulas are designed to avoid any impact on growth. In all cases, age and condition must be disclosed at the first visit.

Q Is it safe to take SSRI antidepressants and herbal medicine together?

A. Concurrent use is generally possible, but avoid overlap between SSRIs and serotonin-activating herbs, and maintain at least a 2-hour gap between doses. Always inform your Korean medicine practitioner of all medications you are taking.

Q Is obsessive-compulsive disorder a disease that can be completely cured, or does it require lifelong management?

A. Complete remission is possible, but due to the high relapse rate, most patients require long-term management. The earlier the treatment begins, the better the prognosis.

Q Will OCD get worse if left untreated?

A. Yes. Without treatment, the obsessive thought-compulsion circuit becomes reinforced, consuming progressively more time and energy. It can lead to depression and social isolation.

Q Why does obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) develop?

A. Dysregulation of serotonin and hyperactivity of the orbitofrontal-basal ganglia circuit are the primary causes. Genetics, stress, and environmental factors all interact.

Q What is the difference between obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors?

A. Obsessive thoughts are unwanted, repetitive thoughts; compulsive behaviors are repetitive actions performed to relieve the anxiety caused by those thoughts. The two form a vicious cycle.

Q Are there foods or lifestyle habits that worsen OCD?

A. Caffeine and high-glycemic foods increase anxiety, while sleep deprivation and overwork sensitize the obsessive circuit. Regular meals and adequate sleep are foundational.

Q Do stress or lack of sleep make obsessive-compulsive disorder worse?

A. Yes. Sleep deprivation and chronic stress impair the regulatory ability of the frontal lobe, thereby lowering the inhibition of obsessive thoughts.

Q How do I make an appointment at Dongjedang for OCD treatment, and how often do I need to visit?

A. After booking an initial appointment, the first consultation assesses symptom severity and whether psychiatric collaboration is needed. Typically, visits are 1–2 times per week for the first 4 weeks, then biweekly thereafter.

Q In what order is the Korean medicine treatment conducted?

A. The process proceeds in the following order: Initial consultation to determine constitution → Stage 1: Calming the Mind and Soothing the Liver (4 weeks) → Stage 2: Strengthening the Spleen and Replenishing the Heart (8 weeks) → Stage 3: Maintenance Herbal Medicine.

Q Can I stop treatment once my symptoms improve?

A. Discontinuing treatment arbitrarily after symptom improvement carries a high risk of relapse. Both Korean medicine and Western medicine require a maintenance treatment period before gradually tapering.

Q Do symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder actually decrease with traditional Korean medicine treatment?

A. Yes. Herbal medicine and acupuncture treatments that correct the constitution of Heart-Spleen Yang Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation help alleviate the intensity of anxiety and the frequency of obsessive-compulsive thoughts.

Q What is the most effective treatment for OCD?

A. The combination of SSRI medication and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)-based cognitive behavioral therapy is the first-line standard of care. Korean medicine serves as a complementary constitutional correction.