CARIPRAZINE AUGMENTATION TO SSRIS IN TREATING A CASE OF TREATMENT-RESISTANT OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER IN AN ADOLESCENT FEMALE

Introduction: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects 1-3% of the population and often requires a combination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). However, 40-60% of patients remain treatment-resistant. Atypical antipsychotics, including cariprazine, have shown promise as adjunctive treatments.

Case Presentation: An adolescent female with severe OCD, whose symptoms worsened post-COVID, initially received 50 mg of fluoxetine and CBT, with only mild improvement. At the presentation, she exhibited severe compulsions and dehydration due to her refusal to drink. Her Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score was 31. Treatment was adjusted to 1.5 mg of cariprazine daily and switched to sertraline to 200 mg. By the nine-month follow-up, her Y-BOCS score decreased to 6, and she showed full functional recovery with no side effects from the treatment combination.

Discussion: Adding cariprazine to sertraline significantly improved symptoms of treatment-resistant OCD. This case supports the potential efficacy of cariprazine as an adjunctive therapy. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and evaluate the broader applicability of this approach.

Conclusion: The combination of cariprazine and sertraline led to substantial symptom improvement and functional recovery in this adolescent OCD patient. Continued investigation into such treatments is essential for enhancing outcomes in treatment-resistant OCD.