Which treatment is effective for obsessive-compulsive disorder?

The effectiveness of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often involves a combination of pharmacological and therapeutic approaches. The correct answer, which includes SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and repetitive exposure to fearful stimuli, pertains to a well-established treatment strategy for OCD known as exposure and response prevention (ERP).

In this context, SSRIs are frequently prescribed to help manage the symptoms of OCD by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can alleviate anxiety and compulsive behaviors. Alongside SSRIs, exposure to situations that trigger anxiety—often referred to as "fearful stimuli"—is a key part of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, particularly ERP. This method involves gradually exposing the individual to their fears in a controlled manner while helping them resist the compulsive behaviors that typically follow such exposure.

This exposure helps to reduce the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts and breaks the cycle of compulsive behavior. The combination of SSRIs and ERP has shown to be effective in clinical trials, offering significant relief for individuals with OCD, making this option a valid and evidence-based treatment approach.

Other treatments for OCD, such as cognitive behavioral therapy alone, can be effective, but they are often most beneficial when combined with medication like SSRIs.