![]() ![]() You may hear them referred to under different names, which are included in brackets (this isn’t necessarily all of the names they will come under, only the most common). There are a few types of SSRI you may be prescribed. This can enable the brain to regulate emotions more effectively.Īnother positive to taking SSRIs is that not only do they treat OCD symptoms, they also help with depression (which often accompanies OCD). SSRIs block (or ‘inhibit’) the reuptake of serotonin, making more serotonin available so that that balance can be regained. While this imbalance isn’t the sole cause of mental illness, it can contribute to mental health issues. When you struggle with mental illness, like OCD, often the balance of serotonin and how it functions can be disturbed. Serotonin is used to help the parts of the brain which regulate your emotions and mental wellbeing communicate. ![]() This is called ‘reuptake’ of the neurotransmitter. Once the message is sent, that part of the brain needs to retrieve the neurotransmitter it sent out and reabsorb it. When a part of the brain has a message to send, it sends out some of the appropriate neurotransmitter. This process of sending messages and maintaining good communication helps your brain to function, which in turn keeps your body and mind working in harmony. Serotonin is one of these neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are like little messengers made of chemicals which transfer signals between different parts of your brain. Different areas of the brain communicate by using neurotransmitters. To understand how SSRIs work, first we need to look at serotonin itself. In general, dosages of SSRIs are higher when treating OCD than when treating depression. Typically you will be started off on a smaller dose, which will then be increased if you’re not getting the results you need. The dosage varies depending on what’s agreed by you and your doctor. They come in tablet form which you take every day. They are usually the first type of medication your doctor will prescribe. ![]() SSRIs are typically used to treat depression and other mental illnesses, such as anxiety and OCD. There's also a very small chance that SSRIs could cause you to have suicidal thoughts or want to self-harm.Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) Your doctor may need to increase the dose again if your symptoms return. To reduce the chance of this happening, treatment should end gradually. Giving up SSRIs can cause unpleasant side effects. You may be able to stop taking medicine if you have few or no troublesome symptoms after this time.ĭo not stop taking SSRIs without speaking to your doctor first. The course of treatment may last 1 year or more. You may need to take the medicine for 12 weeks before you notice any effect. These can help by increasing the levels of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. The main types of medicine used for treating OCD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). You may need medicine as well as psychological therapy. The treatment can be difficult and may sound frightening, but people do get better. You do this before moving on to more difficult thoughts. You start with situations that cause you the least anxiety first. This helps your anxiety to reduce over time. ![]() It involves gradually confronting your obsessive thoughts without engaging in compulsive behaviours. You learn to understand the triggers for your thoughts and behaviours. This can help you cope more effectively with your OCD symptoms.Įxposure and response prevention (ERP) is a type of CBT that is used to treat OCD. The most effective treatment for OCD is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).Ĭognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps you manage your problems by changing your patterns of thinking and behaviour. One or both of these may be best for you. medicine - usually an antidepressant, to change the balance of chemicals in your brain.psychological therapy - helps you understand OCD and learn new ways of coping.You and your healthcare professional can talk about this and agree on the right treatment options for you. The type of treatment will depend on your own situation and circumstances. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a treatable condition. ![]()
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