Tell Me More About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
2. What are the physical treatments of OCD?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is typically treated with anti-depressant medication. Studies indicate that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs are the most effective anti-depressants for treating OCD. SSRI drugs include Paroxetine (Paxil), Sertraline (Zoloft), Citalopram (Celexa), Fluvoxamine (Luvox) and Fluoxetine (Prozac). SSRIs are often combined with Venlafaxine (Effexor) as the first line of medication treatment. These medications have to be taken consistently for at least six to eight weeks to produce a noticeable reduction of symptoms.
Alternatively, chronic case treatment may begin with Benzodiazepines (BZs) such as Alprazolam (Xanax), Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan) or Clonazepam (Rivotril) to quickly reduce the effects of anxiety attacks. Benzodiazepines are fast-acting but are also addictive and should not be taken daily for longer than 2-3 weeks. The SSRIs are much longer lasting, have a more moderate effect in reducing the anxiety associated with OCD, and by relieving depression provide a better frame of mind for the person to overcome the feelings of OCD.
Reference
Dougherty DD, Rauch SL, Jenike MA. Pharmacotherapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Clin Psychol. 2004 Sep 10. |
