The control methods for cleanliness obsession mainly include the following aspects:
1. Psychological therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy: With the help of a psychological counselor, identify the cause of cleanliness obsession, use scientific knowledge to eliminate misunderstandings, change the patient's way of thinking, make the patient realize that their cleanliness obsession behavior is unnecessary, and learn to control their behavior. This method focuses on educational correction and helps patients establish correct cognition. Systematic desensitization therapy: List the things, scenes, or events that patients consider dirty in varying degrees of severity, and then start with the least dirty things every day, gradually increasing the difficulty, while holding back from washing hands or reducing the frequency and time of cleaning until they can come into contact with the dirtiest things. This method aims to help patients gradually adapt and overcome their fear of "dirt". Disgusting therapy: Wear a rubber band on the wrist, and once there is a compulsive washing behavior, use the rubber band to bounce your wrist until the compulsive idea or behavior disappears and you feel pain. This method suppresses compulsive behavior by generating a sense of disgust. Full infusion therapy: allowing patients to directly face what they consider to be the dirtiest or least tolerable thing, and endure anxiety without cleaning. At the same time, relatives, friends, or therapists encourage patients to persist until their anxiety subsides or disappears. This method aims to make patients aware that "dirt" often comes more from their own thoughts and does not match the actual situation.
2. Medication therapy: For patients with severe symptoms of cleanliness disorder, medication therapy may be necessary under the guidance of a doctor. Medications can help alleviate patients' anxiety and reduce obsessive-compulsive symptoms, but they should be used under the guidance of a doctor and attention should be paid to the side effects and dependence of the medication.
3. Self adjustment: Building confidence: Patients need to appropriately build confidence and realize that their cleanliness obsession can be controlled and overcome. Regular lifestyle: Maintain regular habits and avoid excessive attention to cleanliness issues. Distraction: By doing things or exercising that interest you, you can distract yourself and reduce excessive focus on cleaning issues. Psychological suggestion: Continuously give yourself psychological suggestions, telling yourself that items are not dirty and reducing unnecessary cleaning behaviors.
The control of cleanliness disorder requires the comprehensive use of various methods such as psychotherapy, medication, and self-regulation. During the treatment process, patients should maintain a positive attitude, cooperate with the doctor's treatment plan, and learn to self adjust and control their behavior.