OCD and Atypical Antipsychotics

While the frontline treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder continues to be Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, many who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder also appear to be helped by medication. Often the combination of ERP therapy and medication, typically high doses of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, also prescribed for depression) seems to be particularly helpful. This was the route taken with my son Dan when his OCD was severe. He also was taking a benzodiazepine. He was making progress, slowly but surely, in his fight against OCD but was subsequently prescribed an atypical antipsychotic, also known as second generation antipsychotics. Some brand names of these drugs include Abilify and Risperdal. The explanation given to us was that this addition would “enhance” the effects of the SSRI Dan was currently taking. In his case, this was a recipe for disaster. He became increasingly agitated and depressed, and developed some overall shakiness, including hand tremors. When my husband and I expressed our concerns to his doctor, we were told our son absolutely needed all his medications. As time went on, tachycardia (fast heart rate), sky-high triglycerides, and a weight gain of 35 pounds in several months were added to his list of side effects. And his OCD seemed worse. We finally had enough and insisted he be weaned off his medications. Not surprisingly, his side effects abated and his OCD also improved. Recent studies have shown wha...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Atypical Antipsychotics Disorders Family General Medications Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Parenting Treatment Antipsychotic Side Effects Anxiety Erp exposure and response prevention therapy Exposure Therapy Neuroleptics Select Source Type: news