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Mental & Behavioral Health

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

OCD Verified · Sep 2026

NIMH: "Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. People with OCD have time-consuming symptoms that can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life."

OCD is not a quirk or a love of tidiness. The nurse assesses how much time and distress the obsessions and compulsions cost, keeps the patient safe (including screening for suicidal thoughts and, after a birth, thoughts of harming the baby), supports exposure and response prevention, and teaches that medicines take weeks and must not be stopped abruptly.

What’s going wrong in the body

The normal physiology, where it fails, and why the body’s compensation backfires.

01 Obsessions, compulsions and the relief loop

Obsessions "are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that are intrusive, unwanted, and make most people anxious." Compulsions "are repetitive behaviors a person feels the urge to do, often in response to an obsession" (NIMH).

The loop. "Cognitive and learning-based models of OCD posit that maladaptive beliefs fuel obsessional anxiety, leading to compulsive behaviors aimed at mitigating such anxiety": "exposure to obsession-linked stimuli increases anxiety while engaging in compulsive rituals lowers it" (StatPearls). The relief reinforces the ritual — which is why the treatment, exposure and response prevention, exposes the trigger while blocking the ritual; anxiety may rise at first, but "compulsions decrease for most people as they continue treatment" (NIMH).

Not just a habit. "Everyone rethinks or double-checks things sometimes. Not all repeated thoughts are obsessions, and not all rituals or habits are compulsions." People with OCD "Can’t control their obsessions or compulsions, even when they know they’re excessive," "Spend more than 1 hour a day on their obsessions or compulsions," and "Don’t get pleasure from their compulsions but may feel temporary relief from their anxiety" (NIMH).

Insight is usually kept. "A significant feature in most OCD cases is the preservation of insight. Patients often recognize the irrational nature of their obsessions and compulsions but report feeling powerless to control them" (StatPearls). "Only 2% to 4% lack insight into their OCD." Children, however, "may not realize that their behavior is out of the ordinary" (NIMH).

Compulsions lower anxiety for a moment, which strengthens the loop; exposure and response prevention breaks it (StatPearls, NIMH).

02 The brain circuit and neurotransmitters

"The cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) loop has become a pivotal framework for understanding its pathophysiology." "The direct pathway facilitates behavior initiation, whereas the indirect pathway inhibits or modulates these behaviors." "In OCD, hyperactivity in the direct pathway relative to the indirect pathway has been observed. This creates an imbalance that may cause repetitive, intrusive thoughts and compulsive actions" (StatPearls).

Serotonin, dopamine and glutamate. "Early findings of the effectiveness of clomipramine, which has robust serotonin reuptake inhibition observed during treatment, emphasized the role of serotonin in the pathogenesis of OCD." "The efficacy of antipsychotic drugs when used for augmentation in OCD suggests dopamine's role in OCD pathology." "Emerging studies point towards the glutaminergic system in the onset and progression of OCD" (StatPearls).

Imaging. "Brain imaging studies have shown that people with OCD often have differences in the frontal cortex and subcortical structures of the brain, areas of the brain that impact the ability to control behavior and emotional responses" (NIMH).

Causes. "OCD is a heterogeneous condition that arises from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental risk factors," with twin heritability of "approximately 48%" (StatPearls).

A cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical loop with too much ‘go’ and too little ‘brake’; serotonin and dopamine agents act on it (StatPearls).

03 Treatment steps

Psychotherapy first when possible. "CBT serves as a first-line treatment for OCD, especially when this technique aligns with the patient’s treatment preferences, access to qualified clinicians is available, and no compelling comorbid conditions necessitate pharmacotherapy." Within CBT, "exposure and response prevention (ERP) emerges as the most empirically substantiated behavioral technique" (StatPearls).

Medication. "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are recommended as the first-line medications due to their proven efficacy, safety, and tolerability" (StatPearls). NIMH: "Antidepressant treatment can take 8–12 weeks before symptoms begin to improve, and treatment for OCD may require higher doses than are typically used to treat depression."

When the first step fails. "Approximately half of patients with OCD fail to respond to first-line treatments." "SSRIs may also be augmented with antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, clomipramine), or glutamatergic agents" (StatPearls). For severe, treatment-resistant OCD, NIMH notes deep rTMS was FDA-approved in 2018, and deep brain stimulation "is considered experimental."

ERP and SSRIs first, patience over weeks, then augmentation, then neuromodulation for severe resistant cases (StatPearls, NIMH).

Causes & risk factors

Modifiable factors are teaching targets — the patient can act on them.

Genetics — "having a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with OCD is associated with an increased chance of developing the disorder" (NIMH) Childhood trauma — "Some studies have reported an association between childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms" (NIMH) Temperament — people who as children "show symptoms of anxiety and depression" are more likely to develop OCD (NIMH) Peripartum period — "OCD incidence during these times exceeding that in nonpregnant females" (StatPearls) After a streptococcal infection in children (PANDAS) — a sudden onset or worsening may be diagnosed as PANDAS (NIMH) Stress — "During times of stress, the symptoms often get worse" (NIMH) modifiable

Signs & symptoms

Each finding tied to the mechanism that produces it — and the triage it calls for.

Obsessions — fear of germs or contamination, fear of losing control, aggressive or taboo thoughts, need for symmetry early Expected
Why: NIMH lists "Fear of germs or contamination," "Fear of losing control over one’s behavior," "Aggressive thoughts toward others or oneself," "Unwanted, forbidden, or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm," and "Desire to have things symmetrical or in perfect order."
Compulsions — excessive cleaning or handwashing, ordering, checking, counting, silent praying or repeating words early Expected
Why: NIMH lists "Excessive cleaning or handwashing," "Repeatedly checking things, such as that the door is locked or the oven is off," "Compulsive counting," and "Praying or repeating words silently."
Distress when a ritual cannot be completed Expected
Why: Open RN: "Sometimes compulsions are accompanied by a fear of potential consequences if they are not carried out. For this reason, an individual with OCD may become distressed if not able to complete a compulsive act."
Avoidance, and alcohol or drug use to cope Hold & notify
Why: "People with OCD might avoid situations that trigger their symptoms or use drugs or alcohol to cope" (NIMH).
Skin damage from compulsive washing Hold & notify
Why: "if a patient engages in excessive hand-washing, dermatological issues like dermatitis may arise, necessitating consultation with a dermatologist" (StatPearls).
New mother with intrusive thoughts of harming her baby Hold & notify
Why: StatPearls: new mothers "may be reluctant to disclose these for fear of judgment or consequences." Build a "confidential and nonjudgmental setting for disclosure," but "the clinician must vigilantly assess the safety of the patient and the child."
Thoughts of suicide Report immediately
Why: StatPearls: "A significant association between OCD and suicidal tendencies has been confirmed." NIMH: "If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org"; "In life-threatening situations, call 911."

Diagnostics

Test In this disorder Normal
Clinical assessment NIMH: a provider will "ensure other illnesses or conditions are not causing your symptoms" and may refer to a mental health professional. "OCD frequently remains both underdiagnosed and undertreated" (StatPearls). Obsessions and/or compulsions that are time-consuming (more than an hour a day) or cause marked distress or impairment, not better explained by a substance, medical condition or other mental disorder StatPearls, NIMH —
Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) "the most widely accepted tool to screen for OCD is the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS)." "The Y-BOCS rates on a scale from 0 to 40, with 40 indicating the most severe symptomatology" (StatPearls). Scored 0 to 40; higher = more severe StatPearls —
Safety and comorbidity screen "Safety assessments are also conducted to look for immediate risks to the patient or others." "A striking 90% of individuals with OCD meet the criteria for at least one additional psychiatric disorder" (StatPearls). Labels: "A major depressive episode may be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder." Suicide risk, risk to others, depression, bipolar disorder, other anxiety disorders StatPearls, FDA labels —
Mental status picture "Patients generally present as well-groomed but exhibit visible anxiety." "Unlike some other psychiatric disorders, hallucinations or illusions are seldom observed in OCD patients" (StatPearls). Well groomed, visibly anxious; insight usually intact; no hallucinations StatPearls —
Clomipramine monitoring "Due to the risk of QTc prolongation and arrhythmia, electrocardiogram testing is recommended at baseline and after achieving the desired clinical effect." Metabolic monitoring is "recommended before and during treatment" (StatPearls). ECG at baseline and after the desired effect; weight, BMI, fasting glucose and lipids StatPearls —

Complications

Black-box warning — most severe: ■ Suicidality — the disorder and the antidepressant boxed warning Report immediately
StatPearls: the OCD–suicide association "remains significant even when controlling for depressive symptoms or mood instability." Labels (boxed): "Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders."
"Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior." Thoughts of suicide → 988, or 911 "In life-threatening situations" (NIMH).
Black-box warning — most severe: ■ Serotonin syndrome Report immediately
"The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported" (ANAFRANIL label). Symptoms "may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular changes (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures."
"Treatment with Anafranil and any concomitant serotonergic agents should be discontinued immediately if the above events occur and supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated." MAOIs with clomipramine or within 14 days of stopping it are contraindicated "because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome." StatPearls warns the fluoxetine–clomipramine combination can cause "seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, and serotonergic syndrome."
Black-box warning — most severe: ■ Clomipramine seizures, cardiac effects and overdose Report immediately
"During premarket evaluation, seizure was identified as the most significant risk of Anafranil use" (label). "The most common symptoms seen in patients experiencing clomipramine toxicity include arrhythmias, seizures, and hypotension. Severe overdoses may also result in coma and death" (StatPearls).
Label: "Prescriptions for Anafranil should be written for the smallest quantity of capsules consistent with good patient management, in order to reduce the risk of overdose." It is contraindicated "during the acute recovery period after a myocardial infarction."
Warning: Antidepressant activation Hold & notify
Labels: families and caregivers should monitor for "the emergence of agitation, irritability, unusual changes in behavior, and the other symptoms described above, as well as the emergence of suicidality, and to report such symptoms immediately to healthcare providers."
The symptom list includes "anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, mania," especially "early during antidepressant treatment and when the dose is adjusted up or down."
Warning: Clomipramine anticholinergic and orthostatic effects Hold & notify
Use with caution in "Patients with increased intraocular pressure, a history of narrow-angle glaucoma, or urinary retention, because of the anticholinergic properties of the drug" (label). "Modest orthostatic decreases in blood pressure and modest tachycardia were each seen in approximately 20% of patients taking Anafranil in clinical trials."
StatPearls, citing the 2023 AGS Beers Criteria, says tricyclic antidepressants including clomipramine "should be avoided" in older adults for their anticholinergic, sedative and orthostatic effects.
Caution: SSRI bleeding and hyponatremia (fluvoxamine)
Fluvoxamine label: "May increase bleeding risk, especially when used with NSAIDs, aspirin, warfarin, or other drugs that affect coagulation." "Hyponatremia: May occur with SSRIs and SNRIs, including fluvoxamine maleate extended-release capsules. The elderly may be at increased risk."
"Coadministration of thioridazine, tizanidine, pimozide, alosetron, or ramelteon with fluvoxamine maleate extended-release capsules is contraindicated."

Medications for this condition

Why each class is prescribed here — every card links to its full pharmacology page.

SSRIs First-line
Nervous · sertraline

First-line medication. "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are recommended as the first-line medications due to their proven efficacy, safety, and tolerability." "Higher dosages than those used for other anxiety disorders or major depressive disorder are typically prescribed" (StatPearls). Onset: NIMH says 8–12 weeks, while StatPearls notes meta-analyses showing "significant symptom improvement within the first 2 weeks." Fluvoxamine ER is labeled "for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)." Maintenance "for at least 12 to 24 months postremission" (StatPearls).
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Nervous · amitriptyline

Clomipramine — effective, but second to SSRIs for long-term use. "Clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), was the first drug to show efficacy in treating OCD." "Direct comparisons indicate equivalent efficacy between clomipramine and SSRIs. SSRIs are preferred for long-term treatment due to their superior safety profiles and tolerability than other antidepressants" (StatPearls). The label indication is "the treatment of obsessions and compulsions in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)."
Antipsychotics
Nervous · haloperidol

Augmentation only. "Augmentation with antipsychotics, especially risperidone and aripiprazole, shows some evidence of efficacy; however, only one-third of SSRI-resistant patients experience clinically meaningful improvements, warranting meticulous risk-benefit evaluations" (StatPearls). Open RN notes some respond "especially if they also have a tic disorder."

Beyond medications

  • Exposure and response prevention (ERP). "With ERP, people spend time in a safe environment that gradually exposes them to situations that trigger their obsession (such as touching dirty objects) and prevent them from engaging in their typical compulsive behavior (such as handwashing). Although this approach may initially cause anxiety, creating a risk of dropping out of treatment prematurely, compulsions decrease for most people as they continue treatment" (NIMH).
  • Homework matters. "A key determinant of therapeutic efficacy is the patient’s adherence to at-home assignments, most notably those involving home-based ERP exercises" (StatPearls).
  • Psychotherapy can equal medication. "certain types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and other related therapies, can be as effective as medication for many people. For others, psychotherapy may be most effective when combined with medication" (NIMH).
  • Stress management. "Create a consistent sleep schedule." "Make regular exercise a part of your routine." "Eat a healthy, balanced diet." "Seek support from trusted family and friends" (NIMH). Open RN: "nurses should teach clients how to manage stress and anxiety associated with OCD."
  • Neuromodulation for severe, resistant OCD. Deep rTMS "along with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both" (FDA-approved 2018); deep brain stimulation "is considered experimental" (NIMH).

Nursing considerations

The RN-specific layer — each action paired with the reason it matters.

Assessment
Ask how much time obsessions and compulsions take and how they affect work, relationships and self-care.
Why: People with OCD "Spend more than 1 hour a day on their obsessions or compulsions" and "Experience significant problems in daily life" (NIMH).
Ask directly about thoughts of suicide, and screen for depression, bipolar disorder and substance use.
Why: OCD carries a confirmed association with suicidal tendencies (StatPearls); 90% have another psychiatric disorder (StatPearls); some "use drugs or alcohol to cope" (NIMH).
In a new mother, ask about intrusive thoughts of harming the baby in a private, nonjudgmental way, and assess safety.
Why: Mothers may hide these "for fear of judgment or consequences"; the clinician "must vigilantly assess the safety of the patient and the child" (StatPearls).
Inspect the skin of the hands in patients with washing compulsions.
Why: Dermatitis may need dermatology consultation (StatPearls).
Medication safety
Teach that SSRIs take weeks to work and are not to be stopped without the provider.
Why: NIMH: "8–12 weeks"; "Do not stop taking your medication without first talking to your health care provider." Abrupt clomipramine discontinuation causes withdrawal symptoms including "dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, malaise, sleep disturbance, hyperthermia, and irritability" (label).
Teach the patient and family to report immediately new agitation, insomnia, restlessness, hypomania, worsening depression or suicidal thoughts after starting or changing a dose.
Why: Label: report "such symptoms immediately to healthcare providers," especially "early during antidepressant treatment and when the dose is adjusted up or down."
Before clomipramine, check for glaucoma, urinary retention, recent heart attack and seizure history, and support baseline ECG.
Why: Anticholinergic cautions, post-MI contraindication and seizure risk are on the label; ECG "is recommended at baseline" (StatPearls).
Watch for serotonin syndrome when serotonergic drugs are combined, and question MAOI co-prescription.
Why: Stop serotonergic agents "immediately" if it occurs (label); MAOIs within 14 days are contraindicated.
Therapeutic support
Support ERP practice and homework, and prepare the patient that anxiety may rise at first.
Why: ERP "may initially cause anxiety, creating a risk of dropping out of treatment prematurely" (NIMH).
Use a nonjudgmental approach; acknowledge that the patient knows the thoughts are irrational.
Why: "Patients often recognize the irrational nature of their obsessions and compulsions but report feeling powerless to control them" (StatPearls). People may hide symptoms "out of fear of judgment" (NIMH).
Teach stress management — sleep, exercise, diet, support.
Why: Symptoms "often get worse" during stress (NIMH).

How a real nurse thinks

The clinical-judgment loop, worked for a typical presentation — reasoning, not reference.

  1. 1
    Recognize cues

    Thoughts of suicide, new restlessness and insomnia after a dose increase, damaged skin, early ERP anxiety with missed homework, and a wish to stop the SSRI at 3 weeks.

  2. 2
    Analyze cues

    OCD carries a confirmed suicide association (StatPearls), and the boxed warning calls for close observation "for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior." Agitation and insomnia after a dose change are on the label list to report immediately. SSRIs take 8–12 weeks (NIMH), and ERP anxiety early is expected.

  3. 3
    Prioritize

    Safety first: thoughts of suicide outrank everything else. Then the medication activation, then skin care and supporting ERP and adherence.

  4. 4
    Generate solutions

    Stay with her and complete a safety assessment with the provider now; connect her with 988; report the activation symptoms immediately; teach not to stop the SSRI on her own; arrange skin care; revisit ERP expectations.

  5. 5
    Take action

    Do not leave her alone while the provider is notified; give the 988 number; if the situation is life-threatening, call 911 ("In life-threatening situations, call 911"). Document the timing of the dose change and symptoms.

  6. 6
    Evaluate

    Her safety plan is in place, the provider has reviewed the medication, she can state why she should not stop the SSRI abruptly, and she agrees to resume ERP homework with support.

Scenario — you’re the nurse

Work each question before revealing the answer. Rationales explain the wrong options too.

Outpatient mental health clinic · follow-up visit

A 24-year-old graduate student with contamination obsessions and handwashing compulsions started an SSRI 3 weeks ago and ERP 1 week ago.

Symptoms — still washing hands more than 2 hours a day; hands cracked and bleeding
Mood — says she feels ‘restless and wired,’ sleeping 3 hours a night since the dose went up last week
Safety — when asked, says she has had thoughts that everyone would be better off without her
Therapy — ‘ERP made me more anxious, so I skipped the homework’
Plan — asks whether she should stop the SSRI because ‘it isn’t working’
Q1 Select all that apply
After an SSRI dose increase, which findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately? Select all that apply.
  1. A. New restlessness and agitation
  2. B. Sleeping 3 hours a night since the dose change
  3. C. Worsening depressed mood
  4. D. Mild nausea in the first week that is fading
  5. E. New irritability and impulsivity
Reveal answer & rationale
Answer: A, B, C, E
The label lists "anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, mania," worsening depression and suicidal ideation, to "report such symptoms immediately to healthcare providers," especially "when the dose is adjusted up or down." Nausea is a common early side effect (NIMH).
Q2 Multiple choice
A patient with OCD says she has been having thoughts of suicide. What is the priority action?
  1. A. Schedule a visit in 2 weeks
  2. B. Stay with her, assess safety with the provider now, and connect her with 988 — or call 911 if life-threatening
  3. C. Tell her the thoughts are just obsessions
  4. D. Increase her ERP homework
Reveal answer & rationale
Answer: B
NIMH: "If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline"; "In life-threatening situations, call 911." OCD has a confirmed association with suicidal tendencies (StatPearls). Dismissing the thoughts or delaying is unsafe.
Q3 Multiple choice
Three weeks after starting an SSRI for OCD, a patient says it is not working and wants to stop. What is the best response?
  1. A. Stop it today and switch to a new drug
  2. B. It can take 8 to 12 weeks, often at higher doses, and it should not be stopped without the provider
  3. C. SSRIs do not work for OCD
  4. D. Take double the dose tonight
Reveal answer & rationale
Answer: B
NIMH: "Antidepressant treatment can take 8–12 weeks before symptoms begin to improve, and treatment for OCD may require higher doses than are typically used to treat depression," and "Do not stop taking your medication without first talking to your health care provider." Dose changes belong to the prescriber.
Q4 Multiple choice
Which statement best describes exposure and response prevention?
  1. A. The patient avoids all triggers until anxiety is gone
  2. B. The patient is gradually exposed to triggers while refraining from the compulsion
  3. C. The nurse performs the ritual for the patient
  4. D. Medication replaces the need for practice
Reveal answer & rationale
Answer: B
ERP "entails subjecting patients to stimuli that provoke anxiety while guiding them to abstain from subsequent compulsive behaviors" (StatPearls); NIMH: it "gradually exposes them to situations that trigger their obsession" and prevents "their typical compulsive behavior." Avoidance maintains OCD.
Q5 Multiple choice
A patient taking clomipramine for OCD reports new confusion, fever, tremor, muscle rigidity and a racing heart after another serotonergic drug was added. What does the nurse anticipate?
  1. A. Continue both drugs and recheck in a week
  2. B. Stop the serotonergic drugs immediately and start supportive treatment
  3. C. Add an MAOI
  4. D. Increase the clomipramine dose
Reveal answer & rationale
Answer: B
These features fit serotonin syndrome, which is "potentially life-threatening"; the label says clomipramine "and any concomitant serotonergic agents should be discontinued immediately if the above events occur and supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated." MAOIs are contraindicated with clomipramine.

Common questions

What causes obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Common causes and risk factors include genetics — "having a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with ocd is associated with an increased chance of developing the disorder" (nimh), childhood trauma — "some studies have reported an association between childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms" (nimh), temperament — people who as children "show symptoms of anxiety and depression" are more likely to develop ocd (nimh), peripartum period — "ocd incidence during these times exceeding that in nonpregnant females" (statpearls), after a streptococcal infection in children (pandas) — a sudden onset or worsening may be diagnosed as pandas (nimh), and others.
What are the early signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Early findings include Obsessions — fear of germs or contamination, fear of losing control, aggressive or taboo thoughts, need for symmetry, Compulsions — excessive cleaning or handwashing, ordering, checking, counting, silent praying or repeating words.
Is OCD the same as being very neat?
No. "Not all repeated thoughts are obsessions, and not all rituals or habits are compulsions." People with OCD spend "more than 1 hour a day" on them, cannot control them and do not enjoy them (NIMH).
Do people with OCD know their thoughts are irrational?
Most adults do: "Patients often recognize the irrational nature of their obsessions and compulsions but report feeling powerless to control them," and "Only 2% to 4% lack insight" (StatPearls). Children may not (NIMH).
How is OCD different from obsessive-compulsive personality disorder?
StatPearls: OCPD "involves a chronic pattern of perfectionism and rigid control, without the presence of obsessions or compulsions, and is often perceived by the individual as rational and desirable." OCD symptoms are intrusive and unwanted.
Is buspirone used for OCD?
StatPearls says "other serotonin-modulating agents like buspirone and ondansetron have not proven effective in OCD," though its clomipramine chapter notes prescribers sometimes use buspirone to augment clomipramine. It is not a first-line OCD treatment.

Sources

Reviewed by Hae Suk Lee, RN

Educational summary for nursing students. Scenarios are fictional teaching cases. Always verify against current guidelines and your institution's protocols before acting in practice. Not medical advice.

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