Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a very common disorder affecting 2% to 3% of
the general population. Up to 25% of patients presenting to physicians with skin disease
suffer from OCD. Only 20% of all patients with OCD are receiving treatment. Unfortunately,
those few receiving treatment remained undiagnosed for many years. Standard
treatment includes behavioral therapy and psychotropic drugs (ie, selective serotonin
re-uptake inhibitors and clomipramine). The highest dosages of these medications must be
used for at least 3 months to see proper effectiveness and maintained for lengthy periods
of time. Not only are there abnormalities in the serotonin pathway of patients with OCD but
also the glutamate pathway is abnormal, leading to possible new treatment strategies.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 32:83-87 © 2013 Frontline Medical Communications
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