What question did this study set out to answer?

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of selenium as an adjunct therapy to SSRIs in patients with OCD.

June 3, 2026Open Access

Efficacy and safety of selenium as an add-on therapy to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder – a prospective randomised open-label study

Key Points

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of selenium as an adjunct therapy to SSRIs in patients with OCD.
Prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial
60 adults diagnosed with OCD receiving either selenium plus fluoxetine or fluoxetine alone for 6 weeks
Symptom severity assessed using Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS)
Group A showed a greater reduction in Y-BOCS scores (mean change: −4.40) compared to Group B (mean change: 1.84; P=0.001)
No significant differences in liver and renal function tests, except for creatinine levels (P=0.001)
No serious adverse events reported, indicating good tolerability.

Abstract

Background: Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) often shows an incomplete response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Selenium, an antioxidant micronutrient, may improve treatment outcomes when used as an adjunct. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of selenium add-on therapy with fluoxetine in patients with OCD. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, open-label, randomised controlled trial, 60 adults with diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 5 diagnosed OCD were allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either selenium 200 μg/day plus fluoxetine 20 mg/day (Group A, n=30) or fluoxetine alone (Group B, n=30) for 6 weeks. Symptom severity was assessed using the Yale–brown obsessive compulsive scale (Y-BOCS). Hematological and biochemical parameters were monitored for safety. Statistical analysis was performed using independent and paired t-tests, with P<0.05 considered significant. Results: Baseline demographic and laboratory parameters were comparable between groups (mean age: 30.13±5.54 vs. 30.07±6.68 years; P=0.967). Group A demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in Y-BOCS scores compared to Group B, with a mean change of −4.40±1.45 versus a mean increase of 1.84±0.73 (P=0.001). Liver and renal function tests showed no significant intergroup differences in bilirubin (0.13±0.01 vs. 0.07±0.01 mg/dL; P=0.156), serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (1.80±1.12 vs. 1.90±1.53 U/L; P=0.781), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (2.46±1.63 vs. 2.26±1.55 U/L; P=0.630), and urea (−0.80±0.71 vs. −1.20±1.39 mg/dL; P=0.178). Creatinine showed a statistical difference (0.04±0.02 vs. −0.05±0.01 mg/dL; P=0.001), values remained within normal limits. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Selenium add-on therapy significantly improves OCD symptoms with good tolerability and minimal laboratory changes, supporting its role as a safe and effective adjunct to SSRI treatment.

Bookmark

View Full Paper