Homosexual obsessive-compulsive disorder (HOCD) is not an official medical diagnosis, but is considered a "genre" or theme of OCD.
It centers on thoughts about homosexuality and occurs in heterosexuals who are questioning their own sexual orientation. Those with HOCD fear that they themselves are homosexual (gay or lesbian) and exhibit intense anxiety and obsession with the idea.
Treating HOCD usually follows many of the same therapies used for other types of obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Medications
Many medications for the treatment of OCD and HOCD are available. They are usually anti-anxiety medications such as Prozac, Luvox or Zolof. These can help relieve anxiety and lessen OCD symptoms. While they aren't a cure for HOCD, they can be of help in getting other, more long-term treatments started.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy
One of the newest and most successful long-term strategies for HOCD, cognitive-behavioral therapy can be combined with self-therapy to alleviate obsessions and compulsions. While it's sometimes said to be a "cure," this is a misnomer as patients with OCD are much like alcoholics or drug addicts in that while they can kick the OCD habit, they can easily fall back into it if they are not vigilant about keeping it at bay.
CBT requires a long-term effort and a lot of work, but is the most proven of the claimed OCD "cures" being used today.
Hypnosis
This can be a useful technique for finding and helping to lower the anxiety about the core cause of the problem. OCD is a manifestation of a deeper anxiety. People with HOCD have likely had traumatic events, usually beyond their control and occurring during childhood, that triggered the deep feelings of fear and anxiety that cause their disorder.
Getting to the bottom of those fears is the biggest step towards treating OCD. Hypnosis can help find the root cause of the obsessions causing the compulsions. For some patients, this is the "breakthrough" needed to get on the right track towards effective treatment.
Don't Go It Alone
Whatever you do, don't try to go it alone and self-treat without help. Medical professionals can help as can family, friends, and loved ones. Do not try to solo through your HOCD to find a cure. Help from others who care is the greatest medication you can receive.
