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

Pharmacological treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Christopher Pittenger  1 , Michael H Bloch  2
Affiliations
Review

Pharmacological treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Christopher Pittenger et al. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2014 Sep.

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.

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