Atypical Antipsychotic as Add-on Therapy in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

Specific Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most effective drugs available for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) [1]. Fluvoxamine, Clomipramine, Fluoxetine, Citalopram, Paroxetine, and Sertraline have been shown to be operative against obsessive and compulsive symptoms, independent of their antidepressant action [2-4]. Nonetheless, while 50%-60% of patients with OCD fail to respond to a single trial of an SRI, 20-40% does not respond amply even after several drug trials [1]. Furthermore, though the SSRIs are usually considered to be safe and well-tolerated, still a percentage of subjects do experience unbearable adverse effects and discontinue treatment too early. Besides, no single drug, acting on different neurotransmitter systems, has yet shown a complete effectiveness against obsessive-compulsive symptoms.