Bupropion for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: an open-label, fixed-dose study.
OBJECTIVE
In the present study, we examined the efficacy of bupropion for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).


METHODS
Twelve patients with OCD according to DSM-IV criteria were included in an open trial with bupropion, maximum dosage 300 mg per day, during 8 weeks. The primary efficacy parameter was the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). A responder was defined by a reduction in score on the YBOCS of > or = 25%. Data were collected from February 2003 to July 2003.


RESULTS
An intent-to-treat analysis using the last observation carried forward demonstrated that bupropion had no mean effect on OCD symptoms (mean YBOCS decrease was 1.1 +/- 9.6). Four patients improved, with a mean decrease on the YBOCS of 31%, and 2 of them met responder rate criteria. Eight patients experienced an exacerbation of OCD symptoms, with a mean increase on the YBOCS of 21%.


CONCLUSIONS
Bupropion is not an effective treatment for OCD, but the bimodal distribution of the effect supports the notion that dopamine might be involved in the pathophysiology of OCD.
Vulink
Nienke C C
NC
Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht, the Netherlands. N.C.C.vulink@azu.nl
Denys
Damiaan
D
Westenberg
Herman G M
HG
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D016642:Bupropion / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; D016642:Bupropion; D004298:Dopamine