OCD Treatment Cost in India

Understanding OCD Treatment Cost in India: Therapy Types and Pricing

According to reports, India is witnessing a significant rise in mental health consultations for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), particularly among individuals aged 13 to 35. With this surge, the significance of timely diagnosis and the cost of treatment have become growing concerns for many families.

The cost of OCD treatment in India varies widely. A single session with a therapist or counsellor can range from ₹500 to ₹3,000. However, effective treatment is a long-term process involving multiple therapy sessions and often medication. The total cost over months or years can be substantially higher, ranging from several thousand to lakhs of rupees, especially if advanced treatments like TMS or DBS are required.

Treatment Cost of OCD in India

OCD treatment plans may include doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and other professionals to meet individual needs. Here is a state-specific overview of costs associated with the most common OCD treatment options in India:

Disclaimer: The cost-related information is sourced from various references and may vary. It is recommended to consult certified therapists for accurate and up-to-date details on OCD treatment costs.

Types of Treatment for OCD in India

OCD, a mental health condition marked by uncontrollable thoughts and repetitive behaviours, is primarily treated through psychotherapy. Among various treatment techniques that fall under psychotherapy, the most common and effective forms for treating OCD include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) : In CBT sessions, a therapist helps an individual review and understand the thoughts and emotions in their mind. Multiple CBT sessions help break the pattern of harmful thoughts and negative habits, replacing them with science-backed strategies to cope. 
  Considering the success rate, recent findings showed that 68% of people who opted for CBT no longer had anxiety disorders even after 10 years, and 53% had recovered from depression.
• Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) : ERP sessions address a sufferer’s fears and the actions that create the urge to perform tasks repeatedly. For instance, a therapist may ask participants to touch dirty objects and then prevent them from washing their hands.
  When considering its effectiveness, research indicates that approximately 60%–85% of participants experience significant improvement in reducing obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) : ACT therapy aids enhance the patient’s psychological flexibility so that they can control obsessional thoughts and compulsive urges and live a more fulfilling life.
  ACT therapy sessions focus on helping individuals accept their thoughts, stay present in the moment, reflect on themselves, identify what truly matters to them, and take committed steps toward living a meaningful, value-driven life.
• Medication : Pharmacotherapy (medication), which is a first-line, evidence-based treatment for OCD, often used in conjunction with therapy. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the primary medications used.

Other OCD Treatments in India

Sometimes, standard treatments like CBT or ERP cannot control OCD symptoms in adults. In such cases, other options may be offered:

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) : Adults who do not respond to traditional treatment are treated with the DBS treatment plan, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes within certain areas of the brain. These electrodes produce electrical impulses that help regulate abnormal neural activity.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) : To treat OCD in grown-ups, the FDA has approved another treatment option – TMS, which is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is delivered using an FDA-approved TMS device. It does not require surgery and involves using magnetic fields to trigger neural activity in the brain, helping to reduce OCD symptoms.

For individuals with OCD, involving family or close friends can significantly enhance treatment outcomes. During the initial session, therapists evaluate the person's symptoms, concerns, and background to craft a personalised treatment plan tailored to their unique needs.