title: Obsessive compulsive disorder: a clinical update.
abstract: Recent epidemiologic studies have indicated that obsessive compulsive disorder is a fairly common psychiatric condition. In this article, obsessive compulsive disorder, its subtypes, and epidemiologic features are described. The common obsessions and compulsions are discussed, as are the comorbid conditions. Currently, etiologic hypotheses revolve around serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmitter systems. Management of patients with obsessive compulsive disorder involves education, pharmacotherapy, and behavior therapy, and recent advances in such treatments offer patients hope. Psychotherapy has not proved useful. In refractory cases, psychosurgical intervention remains an option.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Black
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic