Question

discuss the patient signs and symptoms of obsessive compulsive behavior
medication needed for OCD and important teachings about Obsessive compulsive behavior medications

Answer 1

Obsessive Compulsive disorder ( OCD ) :

It is a psychiatric condition in which there is a  form of anxiety characterised by an obsessive compulsion to repeatedly perform trivial or meaningless actions .

Signs and symptoms of OCD

* Obsessions : Repeated unwanted thoughts

Anxiety produced by this unwanted thooughts is too great that it make them to do compulsive acts.

For example : Obsession of contamination, that may lead to compulsive hand washing.  

* Compulsions : excessive , irrational urges to do certain actions repeatedly.

* Obsessions of fear of contamination , leads to repeated cleaning and washing.

* Obsessions related to perfectionism or symmetry that leads to redoing or ordering .

* Other symptoms:

- Obsessions of repeated unwanted , intrusive sexual thoughts , fear of acting in   Impulsive way like shouting a curse word during a prayer in church or at a moment of silence .

- compulsive actions of repeatedly checking , counting , praying etc.

Medications for OCD:

Antidepressants :

* SSRIs ( Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) : Fluoxetine , Sertraline , Paroxetine

* Fluvoxamine

* Clomipramine

These are the Antidepressants , that F.D.A ( Food and Drug administration , US) approved for treating OCD.

Anxiolytics : To reduce anxiety

Xanax ( Alprazolam).

Along with medications Psychotherapies like Cognitive behavioural therapy ( CBT) , exposure and Response Prevention also can help the client to get rid of OCD.

Important teachings about OCD medications:

It is important to teach the patient and the family regarding the OCD medications. The teaching should cover the following aspects:

* Strict adherence to medication regimen: Instruct the patient that don't stop the medications abruptly and avoid over dose. follow physician's order on medications.

* Report the major side effects to the Doctor. The common  side effects are increased appetite, weight gain, nausea, insomnia, fatigue, loss of sexual interest, dry mouth and constipation.

* Educate the patient on how to manage the minor side effects like ,

Frequent sipping of water in small amounts can prevent dru mouth .

Add fiber rich food to the diet like green leafy vegetables and fruits to prevent constipation.  

Suicidal thoughts are one of the serious side effect of Antidepressants. Report to the Doctor if there is suicidal thoughts.

* Drug interactions:

The patient should avoid all the herbal supplements while taking Antidepressants , it may interact with herbal supplements and can cause toxicity or less effect of the drug.

Inform the Doctor regarding any Over the Counter medications or other drugs that the patient is taking.  

* Instruct the family members to provide a supportive environment for the patient, avoid anxiety producing situations and assist the patient to do the follow up and treatment.