Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also called OCD, causes persistent and unpleasant thoughts or obsessions in a person, who uses rituals or compulsions to manage those fixations. However, the rituals become daily necessities that control the individual. OCD patients often suffer from other anxiety disorders and depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Medications, particularly antidepressants, work effectively for OCD and depression. Treatment also includes psychotherapy.
Identification
OCD patients develop unproductive habits, such as locking and relocking doors repeatedly because of an obsession with intruders, or they may wash their hands repeatedly throughout the day because of an obsession with germs. They can have irrational fears about harming someone, and when driving a car, might drive back to a scene to make sure they did not cause an accident.
Function
People with depression live through constant or frequent periods of sadness and hopelessness. For OCD patients, depression may be a result of their obsessive-compulsive behavior, or depression may bring on anxiety disorders such as OCD. Medications that deal with OCD and depression help alter brain chemistry, particularly the neurotransmitter serotonin, involved with emotional states. The brain chemicals regulate moods and may improve the conditions of OCD and depression patients.
Types
Antidepressants for OCD and depression include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, a line of drugs that work by increasing serotonin levels. The brain normally reabsorbs the neurotransmitters after their functions have been performed. SSRIs block that absorption and leave more of the serotonin available for patients, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. The drugs work for most anxiety disorders, but OCD patients usually need higher doses. The medications include citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline and fluoxetine. Side effects may include sexual dysfunction, insomnia and weight gain.
Considerations
When SSRIs, usually the first medications used to treat depression and anxiety, do not work, older tricyclic antidepressants may help patients. However, clomipramine is the only tricyclic that works for OCD patients, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Tricyclics also cause more side effects, including drop in blood pressure, blurry vision, constipation, urinary retention and dry mouth.
Combination
Sometimes doctors find it necessary to use combination therapies, including anti-anxiety medications, stimulants and antidepressants for treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment often revolves around discovering the best medication for each individual patient. It may take several weeks or longer before patients see their symptoms relieved and moods improved with a particular medication. In some cases, medications or doses need to be changed before patients have the right treatment weeks or months later.
