In the 18th century, there was no real medical treatment for OCD, so physicians practiced things like bloodletting, enemas and laxatives in an attempt to even out the 'bodily humors' of the patient.

History

During the late 18th century and into the 19th century, those with OCD were institutionalized more often, because OCD was considered a form of insanity.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is not new. More has been discovered concerning diagnosis, but the symptoms have been present for hundreds of years.

17th Century:

19th Century:

Later in the 19th century, physicians were attempting to identify and understand more mental illnesses.

Clergymen, bishops and philosophers wrote about issues and symptoms related to OCD.

Late 19th century:

As physicians discovered more about OCD, it was no longer considered a form of insanity and patients were no longer institutionalized for it.