In other words: medication improved the symptoms in 20 out of 100 people. Many of the these studies lasted less than three months, so the long-term effects of SSRIs on OCD needs to be studied further. But the studies that lasted more than twelve months indicate that SSRIs do help over the long term as well.
It's important to note that many experts say they're being too prescribed too often—especially by primary care physicians without any kind of detailed assessment. But SSRIs are helpful for many people with anxiety-related disorders. For OCD, about 40-60% of people experience partial symptom reduction on an SSRI.
If your symptoms are mild, you can try a type of counselling called exposure and response prevention to help control your OCD without medicine. If your symptoms are severe, medicines (antidepressants) will usually be prescribed first. You may want to start counselling at the same time or soon after you begin medicines.
SSRIs also need to be used with caution if you have certain underlying health problems, including bruising easily, heart problems, diabetes, epilepsy, an eye problem called glaucoma or kidney disease. Equally if you're having electroconvulsive treatment, SSRIs may not be suitable.
Combined treatment appeared the most clinically effective option, especially over CBT, but the advantages over SSRI monotherapy were not sustained beyond 16 weeks. SSRI monotherapy was the most cost-effective.
More specifically, the most effective treatments are a type of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which has the strongest evidence supporting its use in the treatment of OCD, and/or a class of medications called serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SRIs.
While some may overcome OCD alone, the majority of people with OCD need professional treatments like therapy and medication. Still, several lifestyle adjustments and coping strategies can benefit people with OCD outside of therapy.
An SSRI can help improve OCD symptoms by increasing the levels of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. You may need to take an SSRI for up to 12 weeks before you notice any benefit. Most people need treatment for at least a year.
First, it is important to remember that these medications don't work right away. Most patients notice some benefit after 3-4 weeks, while maximum benefit should occur between 12 weeks and 6 months of treatment at an adequate dose of medication.
Paxil (Paroxetine)
Paxil is an SSRI used to treat a variety of mental health issues. This includes OCD, depression, PTSD, anxiety, and panic disorder. It can be used by adults aged 18 and older.
Unfortunately, OCD doesn't just go away. There is no “cure” for the condition. Thoughts are intrusive by nature, and it's not possible to eliminate them entirely. However, people with OCD can learn to acknowledge their obsessions and find relief without acting on their compulsions.
OCD can have a profound effect on a person's life
The person may avoid anything that might trigger their obsessive fears. OCD can make it difficult for people to perform everyday activities like eating, drinking, shopping or reading. Some people may become housebound.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are a type of medication people may use as a treatment for depression. People may also use SSRIs to treat mental health conditions that can cause intrusive thoughts, such as: OCD. PTSD.
SSRIs must be taken long-term, even if your symptoms have become mild or gone away. Stopping taking the medication greatly increases the risk of relapse. Treatment should be maintained for at least one year, and some people may need to take the medication for life.
It can take up to 2 months before they reach their full effect. If you do notice an improvement in your symptoms in those first couple of weeks, this can be a sign that your antidepressant is a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you haven't noticed any benefits in the first month, don't give up.
It's usually recommended that a course of SSRIs continues for at least 6 months after you feel better, to prevent your condition coming back when you stop. However, if you've experienced previous episodes of depression, a 2-year course may be recommended.
Response prevention may look like limiting the time it takes to make wudu. It can also include eliminating asking for reassurance from religious scholars. Additionally, a person can work with a therapist on reducing mental compulsions such as checking one's memory to be sure that prayer was completed perfectly.
SSRIs like Zoloft, Prozac, and Paxil are typically the first medications recommended for OCD. These medications are considered to be generally safe.
OCD is a serious mental illness that can be extremely debilitating. However, there are many effective treatments available, including exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. While medication can be an important part of treatment for some people with OCD, it is not the only option.
While OCD can be challenging and may require management, many people with OCD can live happy and successful lives. Seek professional assistance from a mental health specialist if you are struggling with OCD. Therapy, medication, or a combination of the two may be used as a form of treatment.
In fact, the success rate for ERP is approximately 65% to 80%. For comparison, using medication alone results in 40% to 60% effectiveness (although ERP in combination with medications can also be a highly effective treatment plan for some). All NOCD Therapists are trained in ERP.
OCD thoughts and unwanted images
It can feel as if the thought is real and true. However, just because somebody has OCD thoughts about harming somebody does not mean they are going to do it. People with OCD are aware that their thoughts are irrational but they cannot control or stop them.
The gold standard treatment for OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a kind of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) called “exposure with response prevention,” or exposure therapy.
Talk therapy has been shown to be very effective for some conditions, such as anxiety and depression, but it's typically not effective for treating OCD.