Pharmacological treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2014 Sep;37(3):375-91. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2014.05.006. Epub 2014 Jul 24.

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects up to 2.5% of the population of the course of a lifetime and produces substantial morbidity. Approximately 70% of patients can experience significant symptomatic relief with appropriate pharmacotherapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the mainstay of pharmacological treatment. These drugs are typically used at higher doses and for longer periods than in depression. Proven second-line treatments include the tricyclic clomipramine and the addition of low-dose neuroleptic medications. OCD refractory to available treatments remains a profound clinical challenge.

Keywords: Antidepressant; Augmentation; OCD; Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Pharmacotherapy; SSRI.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Nonprescription Drugs / therapeutic use*
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / genetics
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / therapy
  • Precision Medicine
  • Psychotherapy
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Psychotropic Drugs