Effect of vitamin C upon Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) treated Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial in Bangladesh

Objective: To assess the efficacy of vitamin C as an adjunct to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) intreating OCD patients. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Study eligibility: Randomly selected 96 patients diagnosed by psychiatric consultants following DSM-5criteria both sexes aged 18 years and above were initially enrolled; finally, 83completed study. The study wasconducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March 2018 toFebruary 2019. Interventions: After obtaining written informed consent, participants randomly divided into group A (controlgroup) B (intervention group). baseline recording body's endogenous antioxidant markers (plasmavitamin erythrocyte glutathione levels), oxidative stress marker (plasma malondialdehyde), Yale-Brownscore Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale(Y-BOCS) measured groups. control group(n=40) received oral SSRIs daily for eight weeks, while intervention (n=56) plus oralvitamin (500 mg twelve hourly) same duration. biochemical parameters Y-BOCS score ofOCD groups obtained after result was analyzed compared.Main outcome measures: outcomes levels plasma C, (RBC) plasmamalondialdehyde, Scale (Y-BOCS). Result: Baseline recordings suggest significantly (p<0.05) lower RBC glutathioneconcentrations non-significant (p>0.05) higher MDA concentrations eightweeks with SSRIs, significantly(p<0.001) increased more compared (97.26% vs 44.44% 57% vs44.16%, respectively). On other hand, mean reduced morein their counterpart (48.15% 37.74% 29.69% 21.74%; p<0.001). Conclusion: showed that had improved Cand concentrations, level decreased theintervention group. Treatment leads a significant improvement symptoms.Trial registration: Registered Clinical Trials. Gov (NCT03754647). Bangladesh Crit Care J 2023; 11 (1): 24-30