The drug of choice in obessive compulsive disorder is which one of the following-
**Question:** The drug of choice in obsessive compulsive disorder is which one of the following:
A. Fluoxetine
B. Escitalopram
C. Clomipramine
D. Risperidone
**Correct Answer:** C. Clomipramine
**Core Concept:**
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress, and repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the individual feels driven to perform in response to the obsessions, or on the basis of some other rule that must be applied rigidly. OCD is primarily treated with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that primarily acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. In the case of OCD, clomipramine can effectively reduce obsessive and compulsive symptoms by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, hence alleviating the anxiety and distress associated with the condition.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Fluoxetine (Prozac): It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), not an effective treatment for OCD. While it can be helpful in some cases of OCD, clomipramine has a higher success rate.
B. Escitalopram (Lexapro): Similar to fluoxetine, escitalopram is an SSRI and is less effective in treating OCD compared to clomipramine.
D. Risperidone (Risperdal): While Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug used in treating schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders, it is not the preferred choice for OCD treatment due to its limited efficacy and potential side effects.
**Clinical Pearl:**
In the treatment of OCD, clomipramine has a higher success rate compared to SSRIs and atypical antipsychotics. OCD patients may benefit from a combination therapy approach involving psychotherapy and clomipramine, or other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, depending on individual patient factors such as age, comorbid conditions, and response to previous treatments. Always consult a medical professional before initiating medication treatment for OCD.