My 28-year-old spouse is suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with excessive bathing and repeated cleaning of clothes and rooms. Please suggest medication for her condition.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition in which unwanted thoughts create anxiety and lead to repeated behaviours such as excessive bathing, washing, or cleaning. Medicines can help, but they should only be started after a doctor's assessment, as the correct drug and dose vary from person to person. Commonly prescribed medicines for OCD include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and escitalopram. In some patients, an antidepressant like clomipramine may also be used. These medicines usually take several weeks to show improvement and may require long-term use. Do not start or stop these medications suddenly without medical advice. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, especially exposure and response prevention (a therapy that encourages a person to gradually face their fears and resist obsessive behaviours or thoughts), is highly effective in controlling OCD symptoms. Family support, patience, regular sleep, stress reduction, and avoiding criticism may also help recovery. Please arrange a consultation with a psychiatrist soon, especially if her daily routine, relationships, or work are being affected.