SSRIs in the treatment of
obsessive-compulsive disorder
by
Cartwright C, Hollander E
Department of Psychiatry,
University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, W Cape.
Depress Anxiety 1998; 8 Suppl 1:105-13

ABSTRACT

The introduction of the SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) over the past decade has provided exciting new opportunities for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The serotonin hypothesis, based on the preferential response of OCD to the serotonin reuptake inhibitor, clomipramine, paved the way for research into the efficacy of the SSRIs in the treatment of this disorder. Large, controlled, multicenter studies have found clomipramine and the SSRIs, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, and paroxetine, to be effective and safe in the treatment of OCD. Meta-analytic studies have reported that clomipramine is superior to the SSRIs; however, direct head-to-head comparisons suggest equal efficacy. As SSRIs have a more favorable side-effect profile they may be preferable as first-line treatment of OCD. Improvement following adequate OCD drug treatment is frequently partial whereupon augmentation strategies may become necessary. High rates of relapse have been reported on discontinuation of SRI treatment. Long-term maintenance treatment has been found to be effective in sustaining initial therapeutic gains and bringing about further improvement.

OCD
SSRIs
Sertraline
Fluoxetine
Citalopram
Paroxetine
Fluvoxamine
Clomipramine
OCD therapies
Trichotillomania
Eating disorders
SSRI interactions
SSRIs and jealousy
Opiates to treat OCD
Dopaminergics and OCD
Drugs for treatment-resistant OCD
OCD: mice, marbles and paroxetine
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): mechanisms
OCD and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

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