Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Current and emerging treatment options

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder that can result in significant functional impairment. The cost to society is both direct due to increased healthcare costs and indirect due to reduced productivity. For patients, it can lead to profound disability and greatly affect their quality of life. Due to the complex nature of the disorder, both diagnosis and treatment are often delayed, leading to poorer outcomes. Currently, first-line treatments for OCD consist of psychotherapy, medications or both. Unfortunately, both interventions, in conjunction or as monotherapy, take several months to take effect. In addition, only a fraction of patients with OCD sees a sufficient response to treatment. As a result, it is important for researchers and health care providers to continue investigating new treatments that may be more efficacious or reduce the time it takes for patients to respond. Three such treatments - the Bergen 4-day treatment, ketamine, and transcranial magnetic stimulation - will be discussed as well as reviewing the currently recommended treatments.