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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Basics

Definition & SymptomsCauses & Risk FactorsTests & DiagnosticsTreatmentsDrugs & SupplementsAlternative TherapiesComplicationsPrevention

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Treatments

OCD is treated using medications and therapy.

The first medication usually considered is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). These drugs include:

If an SSRI does not work, the doctor may prescribe an older antidepressant called clomipramine. Clomipramine is the oldest medication for OCD. It works better than SSRI antidepressants in treating the condition, but it has unpleasant side effects, including:

In some cases, an SSRI and clomipramine may be combined. Other medications such as benzodiazepines may offer some relief from anxiety, but they are generally used only with the more reliable treatments.

Psychotherapy is used to:

  • Provide effective ways of reducing stress
  • Reduce anxiety
  • Resolve inner conflicts

Behavioral therapy may include exposure/response prevention: You are exposed many times to a situation that triggers anxiety symptoms, and learn to resist the urge to perform the compulsion.

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