Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder complain of anxiety-producing intrusive thoughts and/or perform repetitive, anxiety-reducing rituals. A combination of behavior therapy and drug therapy is generally beneficial in this relatively common disorder. Behavior therapy consists of exposing patients to anxiety-provoking situations and helping them avoid ritualistic responses. Drug therapy appears to work by blocking serotonin reuptake in the brain.