title: A 2012 evidence-based algorithm for the pharmacotherapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
abstract: There is a need to synthesize the growing body of literature on the pharmacotherapeutic management of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder for clinicians working at a primary care level. We have aimed to generate a simple, easy-to-follow algorithm for the primary care practitioner. This seven-step algorithm addresses diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, initiation of pharmacotherapy, monitoring and maintenance treatment, and guidelines for the management of patients who are resistant to initial therapy. In creating this algorithm, we have drawn on the body of published evidence, as well as on expert opinion.
authors.affiliation: University of Cape Town Department of Psychiatry, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. dan.stein@uct.ac.za
authors.forename: Dan J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: Nastassja
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Koen
authors.forename: Naomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fineberg
authors.forename: Leonardo F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Fontenelle
authors.forename: Hisato
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Matsunaga
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Osser
authors.forename: H Blair
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Simpson
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors