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Minerva Psichiatrica 2005 March;46(1):35-54

Copyright © 2005 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

The treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Raja M.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a frequent, chronic, costly, and disabling disorder that presents in several medical settings, but is under-recognised and undertreated. OCD is a neuropsychiatric disorder, mediated by pathology in specific neuronal circuits, and responsive to specific pharmacotherapeutic, psychotherapeutic, and neuroanatomically characterized biological interventions. This paper reviews the treatment of OCD in children, adolescents, and adults. Focusing on clinical features of the disorder, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment are covered, as well as the use of augmenting agents and the adaptation of therapy for treatment-resistant patients. The specific impact of the frequent comorbidity of OCD with anxiety, tics, psychotic disorder, and bipolar disorder on the therapy is examined.