Drug treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

• DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2010.12.2/mkellner
• Publication Date: 2020-11-03T08:49:38Z
• Authors: Michael Kellner
• Keywords: Clomipramine

Knowledge of pharmacotherapeutic treatment options in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has grown considerably over the past 40 years. Serotonergic antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and clomipramine, are established pharmacologic first-line OCD. Medium to large dosages acute for at least 3 months recommended until efficacy is assessed. In case significant improvement, maintenance necessary. Unfortunately, about half patients do not respond sufficiently oral serotonergic antidepressants; augmentation with atypical antipsychotics an second-line drug strategy. Alternatives include intravenous antidepressants combination or switch cognitive behavioral psychotherapy. Remarkably, a considerable proportion OCD still receive rational treatment. Novel research approaches, preliminary studies glutamatergic substances, trials further drugs, well needed aspects future research, reviewed.