The use of agomelatine in OCD: effects on the motivational aspects and dysregulated circadian rhythms.
BACKGROUND
A considerable proportion of subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have shown resistance or an incomplete response to the standard first-line treatment of serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In particular, patients often continue to show disrupted circadian rhythms with related sleep disturbances and comorbidity with bipolar spectrum disorders.


METHODS
This paper discusses the possible role of agomelatine in the treatment of motivational aspects and dysregulated circadian rhythms of OCD. In particular, the article highlights the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of agomelatine. Additionally, the article highlights its clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability and provides perspectives on its future development as a potential therapy for the treatment of OCD.


CONCLUSIONS
Agomelatine offers the effective resynchronization of circadian rhythm with an improvement in patients' reward mechanism, incentive motivation and general OCD symptoms. Indeed, the authors believe that agomelatine could be a valid alternative drug in treatment-resistant OCD patients, particularly those suffering with bipolar spectrum comorbidity and related sleep disturbances.
University of Pisa, Department of Experimental and Clinic Medicine, Section of Psychiatry , Via Roma 67, 56100, Pisa , Italy +39050835414 ; +3905021581 ; giulio.perugi@med.unipi.it.
Giulio
G
Perugi
Giuseppe
G
Quaranta
Nunzio
N
Bucci
D000081:Acetamides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D021081:Chronobiology Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009042:Motivation; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D009281:Naphthalenes
D000081:Acetamides; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; C084711:agomelatine; D009281:Naphthalenes
agomelatine; circadian rhythms; motivation; obsessive-compulsive disorder