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SSRIs are now the most prescribed medication for those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). There is no known permanent cure for OCD, which means treatment for this disorder is long term. This is a cause for concern for those who do not wish to take a drug, such as an SSRI for years to treat their OCD symptoms. As such, you may be wondering if SSRIs are the best way to treat OCD and are looking for alternatives as well.
A Little About SSRIs and OCD
SSRIs are anti-depressant drugs that manipulate the serotonin levels in the body to treat a wide variety of ailments, most notably depression and OCD. SSRIs were developed in the lab during the 1980’s as an alternative to some of the more toxic drugs that were being used at the time to treat these disorders. SSRIs have been successful to a large degree, as they have helped many patients deal with their symptoms and are less harmful to your body than the anti-depressants of the past.
Though the reason is not clear, those people who suffer from OCD have shown lower levels of serotonin. This is the reason for the use of SSRIs to treat OCD. There are 6 major types of SSRI and each works a little differently and affects the brain is different ways. One type of SSRI may work for you to deal with your OCD symptoms, but may not work for another person.
Alternative Treatments for OCD
There are alternative treatments for OCD that do not include SSRIs. Here are some of the more popular medications for OCD that are used instead of SSRIs.
- Buproprion
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic Anti-Depressants (TCAs)
- Venlafaxine
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TCAs are the safest of these alternatives, while MAOIs are never to be used in conjunction with an SSRI due to hazardous drug interactions.
Because many do not wish to take medication for the long-term, many suffering from OCD are trying Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is a two-fold process that tries to first change the actual thoughts of the brain by examining the irrational thoughts that lead to the compulsive behaviors. Secondly, an attempt is made to modify behavior with the aid of a trained therapist using various techniques in conjunction with one another.
CBT is a long process as well and normally used in conjunction with a SSRI or some other form of medication. It is the closest thing to a long term solution to OCD and offers patients a way to eventually treat OCD without an SSRI or other medication.
A Final Word on SSRIs and OCD
When it comes to treating your OCD symptoms, there is still no real consensus on which method is the best for everyone. None of the medications are permanent cures and their effectiveness fluctuates from person to person. SSRI medications have the least side effects and are generally just as effective or even more effective than any of the other medications. CBT can also be effective, but it generally needs to be used with medication, at least in the short-term.
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