Which SSRI is commonly used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder in children?

• A. Fluoxetine
• B. Sertraline
• C. Citalopram
• D. Paroxetine

Answer: (B)

Obsessional-compulsive disorder in children is treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy, especially exposure and response prevention. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin signaling in the brain, which helps reduce the urge to perform compulsions and the distress from obsessive thoughts over several weeks of stable dosing.

Sertraline is commonly used in pediatric OCD because clinical experience supports its effectiveness in youths and it generally has a tolerable side‑effect profile with convenient dosing. In practice, a clinician starts at a low dose and gradually increases it while monitoring for activating side effects, sleep or GI upset, and any mood changes or suicidality, then continues therapy for several months after improvement. When there are coexisting anxiety or depressive symptoms, sertraline can be a particularly helpful choice. Other SSRIs can be effective as well, but sertraline is a widely used option in pediatric OCD due to its balance of efficacy and tolerability. Continuous treatment often remains necessary, alongside ongoing CBT, to maintain gains.