Hello
With a Y-BOCS score around 16, that usually indicates moderate symptoms of Obsessive-compulsive disorder, and yes—SSRI medications are commonly helpful in this situation, especially when symptoms have lasted more than 6 months and therapy alone has not been enough.
For someone who is 17 years old, doctors often consider SSRIs such as Fluoxetine, Sertraline, or Fluvoxamine because these have good evidence and safety data in adolescents with OCD. The exact choice depends on side effects, anxiety level, sleep, weight, and any other medical conditions.
I cannot prescribe medication directly here, but based on clinical guidelines, starting an SSRI under supervision of a psychiatrist is a reasonable next step for your level of symptoms. Improvement usually begins after about 3–6 weeks, with full benefit often taking 8–12 weeks.
Since you are under 18, the medication must be prescribed and monitored by a licensed clinician with parental or guardian involvement. If your symptoms include severe distress, suicidal thoughts, or rapid worsening, you should seek urgent in-person care.
If you want, tell me whether your main problem is more obsessive thoughts, compulsions, anxiety, or sleep issues, and I can comment on which SSRI is often preferred in that specific pattern.
Take care Regards
Hello I appreciate you sharing your experience with psychotherapy and your thoughts on SSRIs. However, It’s really important to consult a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional who can evaluate your specific situation and determine the best treatment plan for you.
Since you’re 17, it’s also essential to involve a parent or guardian in this process, as they can help you navigate the next steps. A psychiatrist can assess your symptoms, discuss your history, and decide if SSRIs or any other medication would be appropriate for you.
Thank you
Hello dear See ocd is not a disease but is a combination of strict regular habits and anxiety. Iam suggesting some precautions for improvement Please follow them for atleast two months Do physical exercise atleast half an hour daily for 5 months Do meditation Take good balanced diet for good health Engage in social media Indulge in hobbies like reading and writing Avoid overthinking Avoid junk food and alcohol/ smoking Set your goals for every day Hopefully improvement will occur In case of no improvement in 2 month consult psychiatrist in person for better clarity Regards
As an individual under 18 with a Y-BOCS score of 16, indicative of mild OCD symptoms, discussing SSRI options is indeed a relevant step in managing your condition. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used and effective in treating OCD in adolescents. However, the selection of a specific medication should be individualized and based on a detailed assessment of your overall health, potential side effects, and personal circumstances. According to current medical guidelines, fluoxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine are among the SSRIs typically prescribed for young people with OCD. These medications can take several weeks to achieve their full effect, and dosages are usually adjusted starting from a lower dose to minimize any potential side effects. It’s critical to do this under the supervision of a healthcare provider who can offer follow-up care, monitor for side effects, and determine if the medication and dosage are suitable for you. It’s also important to combine medication with psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which has proven efficacy in treating OCD. Always consult face-to-face with a qualified healthcare practitioner to evaluate whether SSRI treatment is appropriate for your situation and to discuss comprehensive management strategies, as medications can’t be safely prescribed or initiated in an online format. The collaborative approach means you can weigh the benefits and risks of each option to decide the best course for your needs.
I understand why you’re considering medication, but I’m not able to prescribe medicines here—especially since you’re 17, treatment decisions for Obsessive-compulsive disorder should be made carefully with a licensed psychiatrist.
SSRIs (like Fluoxetine or Sertraline) are commonly effective for OCD, and with a Y-BOCS score of ~16 (moderate), medication plus therapy is often recommended—but dosing and monitoring are very important at your age.
Please consult a psychiatrist (preferably with a parent/guardian involved) to start safely, and continue your therapy; if you want, I can guide you on what to expect from treatment and how to manage symptoms meanwhile.
Hello, thank you for sharing your concern. Medicines can be prescribed to you, but before that a doctor needs to talk to you over video/audio consultation. Asking questions and replying over the chat can miss important details, which will do more harm to you. So, to get a prescription for psychiatric medicines, kindly visit or book an online consultation with a psychiatrist/ family medicine specialist.
I’m a family medicine specialist myself, you can take a consultation with me as well. But I’m afraid to say it’s not possible over the chat.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine
