Question

Which of the following is true regarding the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors?

A - They are most commonly used to treat depression.
B - They are effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder.
C - They cause a decline in sexual interest (libido) that can be helpful in treating patients with paraphiliac disorders.
D - All of the above

Answer 1

All of the statements A, B, and C are true regarding the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They are commonly prescribed for depression, effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, and can reduce libido.

Step-by-step explanation:

Which of the following is true regarding the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)? The answer is D - All of the above.

• SSRIs are most commonly used to treat depression, capitalizing on their mechanism of increasing serotonin levels in the central nervous system. Prozac, a well-known SSRI, has been highly successful in the marketplace due to its effectiveness in treating depression.
• They have also been shown to be effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with medications such as clomipramine demonstrating this therapeutic benefit.
• Furthermore, SSRIs can cause a decline in sexual interest or libido. This side effect can sometimes be advantageous in the treatment of paraphiliac disorders where reducing sexual urges is part of the management strategy.

SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline, and paroxetine, function by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, effectively increasing its presence in the synaptic cleft and enhancing its effects.