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.
Detailed Answer
Risks of Stopping Treatment
Even when OCD symptoms appear to have resolved, the neural circuits are often not fully restructured. The relapse rate following arbitrary discontinuation is high.
- Standard guidelines for SSRIs recommend continued use for at least 1 year after symptom remission.
- For herbal medicine, a 3-month maintenance prescription after symptom stabilization is also recommended.
Gradual Tapering Plan
- If symptoms remain stable for 3 months or more, tapering of the prescription begins.
- During high-stress periods (exams, job changes, family issues), the prescription is temporarily maintained.
- If early relapse signs appear (changes in sleep, increased frequency of obsessive thoughts), visit immediately.
At Dongjedang, the treatment conclusion plan is developed collaboratively with the patient, and education on recognizing early relapse signs is provided.
Related FAQs
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Q
Can OCD be managed at a Korean medicine clinic alone, or is psychiatric treatment essential?
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I’ve heard that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression often occur together. Can I receive treatment for both at Dongjedang?
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Are there ways to reduce compulsive behaviors on your own?
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Should family members keep accommodating the patient's compulsive behaviors?
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