Medications for OCD.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common mental health disorder that can cause significant distress and disruption in an individual’s life. It is characterised by intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviours that a person feels the need to repeat in order to reduce anxiety or distress. The exact cause of OCD is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of biological and psychological factors.
Treatment for OCD typically includes psychotherapy (i.e. talking-therapy) and/or medication prescription. Whether or not medications are recommended depends on a person’s age, severity of OCD symptoms, past treatment successes, and their person preferences for treatment. Medications can reduce the symptoms of OCD and to help the individual better manage their condition.
The most common medications used to treat OCD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and sometimes tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine. These medicines work by increasing the amount of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate mood and behaviour. Commonly prescribed SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil). These medications usually take several weeks to take effect and may cause side effects such as nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headache in rare cases.
Other types of medications that may be used to treat OCD include antipsychotics and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). These might be prescribed as an augmentation strategy (alongside other medications), or as the primary treatment for people with difficult-to-treat and chronic OCD. Antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of emotions and behaviour. TCAs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which can help reduce symptoms of OCD.
Medications can be effective in treating OCD, but it’s important to remember that they often work best alongside psychotherapy and personalised education about OCD. It’s best to discuss all of your treatment options with your doctor to determine the best plan for you, and that you educate yourself about the medicine benefits and potential side effects before deciding to trial one.