Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medication for children suffering anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It's recommended that children with these disorders also receive therapy from a mental health professional.
Basics
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine and paroxetin are classified as antidepressants. They work by affecting the levels of serotonin in a person's brain, which helps reduce the impulse to perform rituals.
Benefits
Fluoxetine and paroxetin are the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety disorders because they aren't as addictive as many anti-anxiety medications such as those in the benzodiazepine family.
Disadvantages
SSRIs can take up to eight weeks to become fully effective, so the obsessive-compulsive impulses might not decrease for a month or two.
Considerations
Everyone responds differently to psychotropic medications. It can take multiple attempts to get the right medication or combination of medications. You should work with your doctor and therapist in finding the right fit.
Warning
Antidepressants can increase thoughts of suicide in children and adolescents, so if your child also struggles with depression, he should be monitored carefully while taking these medications.
