What is OCD, and which medications are used to treat it?

The mental health disorder known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is typified by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (called obsessions) and repetitive actions or rituals (called compulsions). The ability to function normally daily and to enjoy life can be severely hampered by these obsessions and compulsions.

The following criteria describe the presence of obsessions and compulsions:

Obsessions:

1. Thoughts, impulses, or images that are frequent, that are felt to be inappropriate and intrusive at some point during the disturbance, and that significantly worsen anxiety or distress. 
2. Thoughts, feelings, or ideas are more than just uncontrollably worrying about issues in the real world.
3. The individual tries to neutralize such ideas, impulses, or images with other ideas or deeds, or to ignore or suppress them.
4. The individual acknowledges that his mind is the source of his obsessive thoughts, impulses, or images and that they are not externally imposed.

Compulsions:

1. Repetitive actions (like washing hands, arranging things, and checking) or mental acts (like counting, praying, and silently repeating words) that someone feels compelled to carry out due to an obsession or following strict rules. 
2. The actions or thoughts are intended to avoid or lessen suffering or to stop certain unpleasant events or circumstances; however, they are excessive or have no realistic connection to the things they are intended to neutralize or prevent. 

Types of OCD:

OCD can be divided into several subtypes, each distinguished by particular obsessions and compulsions. Examples of these subtypes include contamination, hoarding, and symmetry.

Medications for OCD:

1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) function by raising serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter. When treating OCD, SSRIs are frequently the first line of treatment. Examples of SSRIs include:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)

2. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): When SSRIs are ineffective, doctors may prescribe these older antidepressants. They also have an impact on the brain's serotonin levels. For example, consider:

•  Clomipramine (Anafranil)

3. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): These drugs function in the same way as SSRIs, but they also change the brain's norepinephrine levels. When SSRIs are ineffective or poorly tolerated, they might be used. For example, consider:

• Venlafaxine (Effexor)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

4. Augmenting agents: An SSRI or SNRI may occasionally have additional drugs added to it to increase its efficacy. These may consist of antipsychotic drugs like:

• Aripiprazole (Abilify)
• Quetiapine (Seroquel)
• Risperidone (Risperdal)

5. Benzodiazepines: These drugs are occasionally used to temporarily relieve OCD-related anxiety symptoms. However, because of the possibility of dependence and tolerance, they are typically not advised for long-term use.

6. Other medications: Off-label prescriptions for additional drugs may occasionally be given to treat OCD symptoms. Mood stabilizers like lithium and antiepileptic medications like topiramate or lamotrigine can be among them.

It's important to remember that medication should always be prescribed and monitored by a licensed healthcare professional.

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Health-Fitness/59899-What-is-OCD-and-which-medications-are-used-to-treat-it.html