Which medication is used as a first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Sertraline is recognized as a first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) due to its classification as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs are known to be effective in increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help alleviate the symptoms of OCD. Multiple clinical studies and guidelines recommend the use of sertraline because it specifically targets the symptoms of OCD — such as intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors — more effectively than other classes of medications.

In contrast, while bupropion is an antidepressant that primarily impacts dopamine and norepinephrine, it is not effective for treating OCD symptoms. Trazodone, primarily used for insomnia and depression, does not address the core symptoms of OCD. Buspirone is mainly an anxiolytic used for chronic anxiety disorders and lacks the evidence supporting its efficacy in treating OCD. Hence, sertraline stands out as the appropriate choice for first-line treatment in this context.