Relief for OCD Anxiety

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety in which the person affected experiences repetition of thoughts and tasks. Up to 3 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 54 years of age may be affected by OCD at any given time. Persons with this condition may feel compelled to carry out certain rituals, for example excessive hand washing. Recurring obsessions, unwanted thoughts or impulses, and compulsions to repeat rituals to control the obsessions are symptoms of this condition. Although the cause of OCD is unknown, abnormalities in brain functioning may be related, particularly an imbalance of the chemical serotonin.

Counseling combined with medication is usually recommended. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressant medicines that are sometimes prescribed. These drugs increase levels of serotonin circulating in the brain. Fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil) are examples of SSRIs. Clomipramine (Anafranil) is another type of antidepressant that may be prescribed. Several weeks may be required before the antidepressant takes effect. All of these drugs can cause side effects such as nausea and drowsiness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that may be useful as treatment for OCD when used in conjunction with medication.