How often does OCD treatment work?

Question

How often does OCD treatment work ? My doctor thinks I have somewhat OCD and if I do, I would like to know if treatment for it works very well. If it doesn't help me how I hope, I don't know what I'll do. I will get very sad. Also, how long would it take for medication to take effect?

Answer 1

I have OCD and a huge germ phobia/hand washing thing.  I was prescribed Celexa, which is an SSRI antidepressant.  It works wonders.  I only take 10 mg, which is half of the recommended dose.  All of the SSRIs work for that.  Celexa has the least side effects.  Don't worry.  It will work.  It should take about a month for it to work well.  It is very subtle too.  Nothing drastic.  You will just find yourself thinking less about things that bothered you before.  And you will be less anxious as well.  I have heard bad things about Paxil.  But any of the other SSRI antidepressants should do the trick.  You don't have to take them forever either.  You can actually train your brain to produce the right amount of seratonin (the neurotransmitter that is low in cases of OCD, depression, and anxiety disorders).  I was only supposed to take it for six months, but I am in the process of quitting smoking so I am staying on it for a little bit longer.  Good luck