Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental illness in which you experience intrusive, obsessive thoughts as well as urges to practice certain compulsions to soothe those obsessive thoughts. It may center on obsessive anxieties about cleanliness or health, but it is not limited to those matters. It can be debilitating to your life, work, and relationships, especially without treatment.
Therapy can be remarkably beneficial in helping you cope with symptoms of OCD, but medication can also be used to manage symptoms. In this blog, we’ll break down the role of medication in managing OCD.
Chemical Imbalance Links To OCD
Recent research has linked OCD to chemical imbalances in glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (Gaba).1 These chemicals both impact communication between neurons in the brain: glutamate enhances that communication, while Gaba often inhibits it. When the balance is off in one way or the other, it can lead to obsessive, racing thoughts. Psychiatrists are currently looking for ways to treat this imbalance with medication for OCD.
Low serotonin levels have also been linked to OCD.2 Serotonin can help to reduce anxiety and racing thoughts, giving you more of a feeling of calm. With serotonin deprivation, OCD symptoms can be highly exacerbated.
Medications Prescribed For OCD and How They Work
The primary medications prescribed for OCD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These include:
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Clomipramine (Anafranil)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
These medications are also often prescribed for mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. They not only address the serotonin deficiency in the minds of many with OCD, but they also help to manage comorbidities that often come with OCD. Depression is the most common comorbidity of OCD, affecting anywhere from 14-43% of those with OCD.3 Antidepressants both help with OCD symptoms and depressive symptoms.
How Effective Is Medication For OCD?
About 60% of patients with OCD experience a 40-50% reduction in symptoms within 10-12 weeks.4 However, as with anything else, OCD medication is not a magical cure-all. Symptoms will rarely entirely disappear. You may still struggle with obsessive thoughts and compulsions. However, medication, when combined with therapy, may help you to give you more control over those symptoms.
Therapy has generally been seen as a more effective treatment for OCD, or the combination of therapy and medication.5 Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help OCD patients break free of obsessive thought patterns and develop different reactions to them. It can also help you to develop coping strategies to avoid compulsions. But for day-to-day relief from OCD symptoms, medication can be useful in reducing the disruption to your life.
Ultimately, the most effective treatment will vary from person to person. It’s best to talk to a psychiatrist about the right treatment or treatments for you. Rivia Mind is here to help. Contact us today to learn more or to set up an appointment with one of our psychiatrists.
Resources:
- Research: People with obsessive-compulsive disorder have an imbalance of brain chemicals – Dr. Marjan Biria, 2023, UCL Psychiatry
- The Links Between OCD and Serotonin Deficiency – CalmClinic
- Comorbidities in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review – Front Psychiatry, 2021
- Pharmacotherapy | Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders – Stanford Medicine
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD): Learn More – Treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder – Informed Health
