Treatment of choice for Obsessive compulsive disorder is
**Core Concept**
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by recurring, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that an individual feels compelled to perform. The treatment of OCD often involves a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, with the goal of reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The treatment of choice for OCD typically involves a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication. SSRIs increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps to reduce symptoms of OCD by modulating the activity of serotonin receptors in the brain. Specifically, SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin by the presynaptic neuron, allowing more serotonin to be available for binding to postsynaptic receptors. This leads to a decrease in the frequency and severity of obsessions and compulsions.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because while benzodiazepines may be used to treat anxiety disorders, they are not the first-line treatment for OCD and can actually exacerbate symptoms in some individuals.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because while antipsychotic medications may be used to treat certain symptoms of OCD, such as hallucinations or delusions, they are not the primary treatment for OCD.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because while psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be an effective treatment for OCD, it is typically used in conjunction with medication, not as a standalone treatment.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
One key point to remember is that the treatment of OCD often requires a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, and that SSRIs are the first-line medication treatment for OCD due to their efficacy and safety profile.
**Correct Answer: A. Fluoxetine**