OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER - A REVIEW OF TREATMENT METHODS

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of recurring intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive actions (compulsions). In the United States of America the prevalence of lifetime OCD in adult patients is estimated to be around 2,3% of the population, while 12-month OCD cases stand at 1,2%. Diagnostic criteria include: Presence of obsessions, compulsions or both Obsessions or compulsions are time-consuming or cause a lot of distress, or impair other aspects of life The symptoms are not caused by substance abuse or another medical condition The disorder is not better explained by symptoms of another mental disorder Zohar-Fineberg Obsessive Compulsive Screen is a questionnaire which helps with assessment of OCD. Main lines of treatment consist of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Pharmacotherapy relies primarily on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, while other medications include serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, clomipramine, neuroleptics and glutamate modifiers. Psychosurgery and neurostimulation both invasive and non-invasive, is reserved for treatment-resistant cases of OCD.