Current and potential pharmacological treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
In the past 20 years, several effective treatments have been developed for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Despite this, it is a disorder that is often inadequately treated by available therapies. Recent advances in neuroimaging and neurophysiology have provided some clues to possible treatments that may be more effective in treating this disorder. Serotonin agents remain the cornerstone of pharmacological treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. The development of agents that target specific serotonin receptor subtypes may improve the effectiveness of drug treatment. Other possible future treatment approaches are also discussed.
Davidson
Joyce
J
Department of Psychiatry, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, USA. joyced@bcm.tmc.edu.
Bjorgvinsson
Throstur
T
D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors