Adjunctive quetiapine for serotonin reuptake inhibitor-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled treatment trials

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy-based evaluation of metabolic abnormalities in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and caudate nucleus in treatment-naïve patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Background

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common psychiatric disorder whose underlying pathophysiology is insufficiently understood. The pathophysiology of OCD may be related to abnormalities in the biochemistry of neurotransmitters.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to measure the absolute concentration of various metabolites in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and caudate nucleus (CN) in treatment-naive patients with OCD and compare it with healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

The present study investigated the metabolic profile of two brain regions, namely right DLPFC and CN, by using single voxel in-vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) in drug-naive patients with OCD (n = 17, mean age = 30.71 ± 10.104 years) and compared it with healthy controls (n = 13, mean age = 30.77 ± 5.449 years). The patients with OCD were recruited after appropriate psychometric assessments. The 1H-MRS experiments were performed using the 3 Tesla (3T) human MR scanner, and absolute concentrations of metabolites were estimated using the LC model.

Results

Significantly lower concentration of tNAA in the right DLPFC was observed in the patients with OCD compared to the controls, which may be indicative of neurodegeneration in this region. However, no significant differences were observed in the concentrations of the metabolites between the patients and controls in the CN region. The level of tNAA in DLPFC significantly correlated with the disability level (WHO-DAS) of the patients.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates abnormalities in the metabolic profile of an important region, DLPFC of the CSTC circuit, which is suggestive of neurodegeneration in the region in OCD patients.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Etiology, neuropathology, and cognitive dysfunction

BACKGROUND

This review provides an overview of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, including the four partially distinct subtypes of the disorder, current diagnostic criteria, and common comorbidities. Critically, it focuses on the etiology of OCD, including its underlying neuropathology, and examines cognitive dysfunction in OCD.

METHODS

This review study was conducted by library method.

RESULTS

We show how dysfunction in cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuits may underpin symptoms; and shed light on the putative neurochemistry within these loops such as the role of serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate systems. We also show how OCD is characterized by cognitive dysfunction including problems in cognitive flexibility, visuospatial memory, response inhibition, and goal-directed behavior, linked to aberrant activity within CSTC circuits.

CONCLUSIONS

In brief, research questions we shed light on include (1) what are the symptoms in OCD; (2) what is the etiology of the disorder and do existing models explain OCD; and (3) what are key cognitive deficits in OCD and do these improve with treatment?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder-contamination fears, features, and treatment: novel smartphone therapies in light of global mental health and pandemics (COVID-19)

This review aims to shed light on the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with a focus on contamination fears. In addition, we will briefly review the current therapies for OCD and detail what their limitations are. A key focus will be on discussing how smartphone solutions may provide approaches to novel treatments, especially when considering global mental health and the challenges imposed by rural environments and limited resources; as well as restrictions imposed by world-wide pandemics such as COVID-19. In brief, research that questions this review will seek to address include: (1) What are the symptoms of contamination-related OCD? (2) How effective are current OCD therapies and what are their limitations? (3) How can novel technologies help mitigate challenges imposed by global mental health and pandemics/COVID-19.

Trichotillomania is more related to Tourette disorder than to obsessive-compulsive disorder

OBJECTIVE

Trichotillomania (TTM) is characterized by the pulling out of one's hair. TTM was classified as an impulse control disorder in DSM-IV, but is now classified in the obsessive-compulsive related disorders section of DSM-5. Classification for TTM remains an open question, especially considering its impact on treatment of the disorder. In this review, we questioned the relation of TTM to tic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

METHOD

We reviewed relevant MEDLINE-indexed articles on clinical, neuropsychological, neurobiological, and therapeutic aspects of trichotillomania, OCD, and tic disorders.

RESULTS

Our review found a closer relationship between TTM and tic disorder from neurobiological (especially imaging) and therapeutic standpoints.

CONCLUSION

We sought to challenge the DSM-5 classification of TTM and to compare TTM with both OCD and tic disorder. Some discrepancies between TTM and tic disorders notwithstanding, several arguments are in favor of a closer relationship between these two disorders than between TTM and OCD, especially when considering implications for therapy. This consideration is essential for patients.

An MRI Study of the Metabolic and Structural Abnormalities in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neuropsychiatric illness characterized by obsessions and/or compulsions. Its pathophysiology is still not well understood but it is known that the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical (CSTC) circuitry plays an important role. Here, we used a multi-method MRI approach combining proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H1-MRS) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) techniques to investigate both the metabolic and the microstructural white matter (WM) changes of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in OCD patients as compared to healthy controls. Twenty-three OCD patients and 21 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy volunteers participated in the study. Our 1H-MRS findings show increased levels of Glx in ACC in OCD. Further, significantly lower fractional anisotropy (FA) values were observed in OCD patients’ left cingulate bundle (CB) as compared to healthy controls. Finally, there was a negative correlation between FA in the left CB and level of obsessions, as well as the duration of the illness. Our findings reinforce the involvement of CSTC bundles in pathophysiology of OCD, pointing to a specific role of glutamate (glutamine) and WM integrity.

Comparative efficacy and tolerability of antipsychotics as augmentations in adults with treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: A network meta-analysis

We performed a network meta-analysis to build clear hierarchies of efficacy and tolerability of antipsychotics to augment serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) for treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched on September 8, 2018. Randomized controlled trials investigating antipsychotics as augmentation agents were included. Network meta-analyses were performed using frequentist methods. Efficacy was measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. Tolerability was measured by side-effect discontinuations. Mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Twenty articles with 790 patients were included. Our analyses showed that there was no significant difference in efficacy between antipsychotic agents. The order of efficacy rankings was inconsistent between primary analysis and sensitivity analyses. We found that there was considerable heterogeneity between studies. Comorbid tics was identified as a significant moderator. All antipsychotics except paliperidone were significantly superior to placebo in the subgroup without comorbid tics, while no antipsychotics was significantly superior to placebo in the comorbid tics subgroup. With respect to tolerability, quetiapine (OR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.04-11.11) and paliperidone (20.00; 1.01->100) were significantly less tolerable than placebo. Based on this network meta-analysis, antipsychotic agents as augmentations to SRIs might be more effective in treatment-resistant OCD patients without comorbid tics. Definitive determination of which drug is optimal cannot be drawn currently because of the limited numbers of studies and heterogeneity across studies.

Augmentation agents to serotonin reuptake inhibitors for treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Various agents for augmentation of serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been investigated for treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We aimed to comprehensively compare different augmentation agents for treatment-resistant OCD in adults.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, the WHO's ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched on February 20, 2018. Pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis were performed. The primary outcome was efficacy measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. The secondary outcomes were tolerability (side-effect discontinuation) and acceptability (all cause discontinuation). Mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Thirty-three articles with 34 trials (1216 patients) were included. Memantine (MD, -8.94; 95% CI, -14.42 to -3.42), risperidone (-4.47, -8.75 to -0.17), topiramate (-6.05, -10.89 to -1.20), lamotrigine (-6.07, -11.61 to -0.50), and aripiprazole (-5.14, -9.95 to -0.28) were significantly superior to placebo. Antipsychotic (-4.09, -6.22 to -1.93) and glutamatergic (-5.22, -7.53 to -2.84) agents were significantly superior to placebo. Considerable heterogeneity was found across studies, and baseline symptom severity was identified as a significant moderator. After baseline severity adjustment, quetiapine (-5.00, -8.59 to -1.29) and olanzapine (-8.28, -15.34 to -1.13) became significantly superior to placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supports the use of antipsychotic or glutamatergic agents as augmentation agents for treatment-resistant OCD. Topiramate, lamotrigine, aripiprazole, olanzapine, risperidone, memantine, and quetiapine are alternative augmentation drugs; however, a definitive conclusion of the best drug remains undetermined because of the considerable heterogeneity and limited numbers of studies and patients for each agent.

Pharmacotherapy for obsessive—compulsive disorder

We present a narrative review of evidence-based treatment for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), covering first-line pharmacological treatment, augmentation strategies, approaches for treatment-refractory OCD and the management of OCD in special populations (children and adolescents, pregnant and breast-feeding women, and elderly people).

Pharmacotherapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder during pregnancy: a clinical approach

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common psychiatric disorder in the perinatal period. However, specific pharmacological treatment approaches for patients with OCD during pregnancy have not been satisfactorily discussed in the literature. In addition, there are no randomized controlled studies on the treatment of this disorder during pregnancy. The present paper discusses the pharmacological treatment of OCD in the light of data on the safety of antipsychotics and serotonergic antidepressants during pregnancy and their efficacy in the non-perinatal period. Treatment decisions should be individualized because the risk-benefit profile of pharmacotherapy is an important issue in the treatment of pregnant women with any psychiatric diagnosis.

Prazosin addition to fluvoxamine: A preclinical study and open clinical trial in OCD

The efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) in psychiatric disorders may be "augmented" through the addition of atypical antipsychotic drugs. A synergistic increase in dopamine (DA) release in the prefrontal cortex has been suggested to underlie this augmentation effect, though the mechanism of action is not clear yet. We used in vivo microdialysis in rats to study DA release following the administration of combinations of fluvoxamine (10 mg/kg) and quetiapine (10 mg/kg) with various monoamine-related drugs. The results confirmed that the selective 5-HT1A antagonist WAY-100635 (0.05 mg/kg) partially blocked the fluvoxamine-quetiapine synergistic effect (maximum DA increase dropped from 325% to 214%). A novel finding is that the α1-adrenergic blocker prazosin (1 mg/kg), combined with fluvoxamine, partially mimicked the effect of augmentation (maximum DA increase 205%; area-under-the-curve 163%). As this suggested that prazosin augmentation might be tested in a clinical study, we performed an open clinical trial of prazosin 20 mg addition to SRI in therapy-resistant patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder applying for neurosurgery. A small, non-significant reduction in Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) scores was observed in 10 patients and one patient was classified as a responder with a reduction in Y-BOCS scores of more than 25%. We suggest that future clinical studies augmenting SRIs with an α1-adrenergic blocker in less treatment resistant cases should be considered. The clinical trial "Prazosin in combination with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor for patients with Obsessive Compulsive disorder: an open label study" was registered at 24/05/2011 under trial number ISRCTN61562706: http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN61562706.

Clinical effectiveness of interventions for treatment-resistant anxiety in older people: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Anxiety and related disorders include generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and phobic disorders (intense fear of an object or situation). These disorders share the psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety, but each disorder has its own set of characteristic symptoms. Anxiety disorders can be difficult to recognise, particularly in older people (those aged over 65 years). Older people tend to be more reluctant to discuss mental health issues and there is the perception that older people are generally more worried than younger adults. It is estimated that between 3 and 14 out of every 100 older people have an anxiety disorder. Despite treatment, some people will continue to have symptoms of anxiety. People are generally considered to be 'resistant' or 'refractory' to treatment if they have an inadequate response or do not respond to their first treatment. Older adults with an anxiety disorder find it difficult to manage their day-to-day lives and are at an increased risk of comorbid depression, falls, physical and functional disability, and loneliness.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacological, psychological and alternative therapies in older adults with an anxiety disorder who have not responded, or have responded inadequately, to treatment.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed citations, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library databases, PsycINFO and Web of Science) were searched from inception to September 2013. Bibliographies of relevant systematic reviews were hand-searched to identify additional potentially relevant studies. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for ongoing and planned studies.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic review of the clinical effectiveness of treatments for treatment-resistant anxiety in older adults was carried out.

RESULTS

No randomised controlled trial or prospective comparative observational study was identified meeting the prespecified inclusion criteria. Therefore, it was not possible to draw any conclusions on clinical effectiveness.

LIMITATIONS

As no study was identified in older adults, there is uncertainty as to which treatments are clinically effective for older adults with an anxiety disorder who have not responded to prior treatment. The comprehensive methods implemented to carry out this review are a key strength of the research presented. However, this review highlights the extreme lack of research in this area, identifying no comparative studies, which is a marked limitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific studies evaluating interventions in older adults with an anxiety disorder who have not responded to first-line treatment are needed to address the lack of evidence. The lack of evidence in this area means that older adults are perhaps receiving inappropriate treatment or are not receiving a particular treatment because there is limited evidence to support its use. At this time there is scope to develop guidance on service provision and, as a consequence, to advance the standard of care received by older adults with a treatment-resistant anxiety disorder in primary and secondary care. Evaluation of the relative clinical effectiveness and acceptability of pharmacological and psychological treatment in older adults with an anxiety disorder that has not responded to first-line treatment is key future research to inform decision-making of clinicians and patients. An important consideration would be the enrolment of older adults who would be representative of older adults in general, i.e. those with multiple comorbid physical and mental disorders who might require polypharmacy.

STUDY REGISTRATION

The protocol for the systematic review is registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42013005612).

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Aripiprazole versus quetiapine in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Around 40-60% of the patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) remain unimproved by serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs). Goal of this study was to compare the efficiency and safety of aripiprazole versus quetiapine, in patients with OCD, who did not respond effectively to fluvoxamine.

METHOD

A total of 44 female inpatients with OCD, who did not respond successfully to fluvoxamine at maximum dose (300 mg/day) and duration (12 weeks), were assigned randomly, in a double-blind trial, to receive aripiprazole (n = 22) or quetiapine (n = 22), in addition to their SRI, for 12 weeks. Treatment response was assessed by the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS), as primary outcome measure, and Clinical Global Impressions-Severity Scale (CGI-S), as a secondary outcome measure.

RESULTS

A total of 27.27% of the cases in the aripiprazole group (n = 6) and 54.54% of them in the quetiapine cluster (n = 12) responded moderately to the aforesaid augmentation. The mean ± SD baseline YBOCS score of 33.27 ± 3.90 dropped to a mean of 30.72 ± 4.67 (p = 0.06) in the aripiprazole group, and from 31.18 ± 4.93 to 27.97 ± 3.71 (p = 0.01) in the quetiapine group, at the end of the evaluation. There was no significant change with respect to CGI-S in either of the aforesaid groups.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that treatment-resistant OCD patients may benefit more from addition of quetiapine in comparison with aripiprazole, to their ongoing SRI therapy.

Management of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common, often debilitating disorder characterized by the presence of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are repetitive thoughts or images which are experienced as intrusive and unwanted; they cause marked anxiety and distress. Compulsions (also known as rituals) are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that individuals with OCD perform in an attempt to decrease their anxiety. Patients tend to hide their symptoms due to shame; the amount of time between onset of symptoms and appropriate treatment is often many years. The disorder likely results from several etiological variables; functional imaging studies have consistently shown hyperactivity in the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, thalamus, and striatum. The mainstays of treatment include cognitive-behavioral therapy in the form of exposure and response prevention (ERP) and serotonin reuptake inhibiting medications. Several pharmacological augmentation strategies exist for treatment-resistant OCD, with addition of antipsychotics being most commonly employed. Radio and neurosurgical procedures, including gamma knife radiation and deep brain stimulation, are reserved for severe, treatment-refractory disease that has not responded to multiple treatments, and some patients may benefit from transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Pharmacotherapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder: evidence-based treatment and beyond

BACKGROUND

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with a significant degree of functional disability and poor quality of life. Pharmacotherapy may have a substantial impact on the course and outcome of OCD.

METHOD

We review the evidence supporting available strategies for the pharmacological treatment of OCD.

RESULTS

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) remain the pharmacological treatment of choice and are associated with improved health-related quality of life. Discontinuation is associated with relapse and loss of quality of life, implying treatment should continue long-term. A substantial minority of patients who fail to respond to SSRI may benefit from dose elevation or adjunctive antipsychotics, though long-term trials validating the effectiveness and tolerability of these strategies are relatively lacking.

CONCLUSION

The pharmacological evidence-base for the treatment of OCD is becoming increasingly robust. Treatment with SSRIs and clomipramine remains uncontroversial and improvements are sustained over time. Newer compounds targeting serotonin receptor subtypes and other neurotransmitter systems are undergoing evaluation.

Evidence-based pharmacotherapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Pharmacological strategies for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) continue to develop apace but deficiencies remain. We present an updated literature review of the evidence supporting available strategies. We aim to answer key questions including: (1) What are the first-line treatments? (2) Does pharmacotherapy improve health-related quality of life? (3) How do we evaluate clinical response and relapse? (4) How long should treatment continue? (5) Can we predict treatment outcomes? (6) What is the management of treatment-refractory OCD? Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) remain the pharmacological treatment of choice for most patients and are associated with improved health-related quality of life. However, discontinuation is associated with relapse and loss of quality of life, implying treatment should continue long term. A substantial minority of patients fail to respond to SSRI. Such patients may respond to strategies such as dose elevation or adjunctive antipsychotic, although long-term trials validating the effectiveness and tolerability of these strategies are relatively lacking. Newer compounds targeting other neurotransmitter systems, such as glutamate, are undergoing evaluation.

Aripiprazole augmentation in 13 patients with refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: a case series

OBJECTIVES

The primary treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). However, approximately a third of patients do not respond to SSRIs and remain chronically affected.

METHODS

Therefore, we added aripiprazole to SSRI therapy for 13 patients with treatment-refractory OCD (subjects who failed to respond to SSRI therapy for at least 2 months, and for an average of 508 days). Participants underwent at least 7 weeks of treatment with aripiprazole augmentation.

RESULTS

Patients were evaluated using the Y-BOCS and GAF scales. Aripiprazole (3-12 mg)/SSRI co-therapy significantly improved Y-BOCS and GAF scores. However, many patients needed to take antiparkinsonian drugs to control extrapyramidal symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that aripiprazole augmentation of SSRI therapy may be effective for treatment-refractory OCD.

A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial of fluoxetine plus quetiapine or clomipramine versus fluoxetine plus placebo for obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder patients who do not improve sufficiently after treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor might improve further if other drugs were added to the treatment regimen. The authors present a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing the efficacy of adding quetiapine or clomipramine to a treatment regimen consisting of fluoxetine. Between May 2007 and March 2010, a total of 54 patients with a primary diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, as defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, and a current Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score of at least 16, the score having dropped by less than 35% after fluoxetine monotherapy, were allocated to 1 of 3 arms (n = 18 per arm): quetiapine + fluoxetine (≤200 and ≤40 mg/d, respectively), clomipramine + fluoxetine (≤75 and ≤40 mg/d, respectively), or placebo + fluoxetine (≤80 mg/d of fluoxetine). Follow-up was 12 weeks. The Y-BOCS scores were the main outcome measure. No severe adverse events occurred during the trial, and 40 patients (74%) completed the 12-week protocol. The Y-BOCS scores (mean [SD]) were significantly better in the placebo + fluoxetine and clomipramine + fluoxetine groups than in the quetiapine + fluoxetine group (final: 18 [7] and 18 [7], respectively, vs 25 [6], P < 0.001) (reduction from baseline: -6.7 [confidence interval {CI}, -9.6 to -3.8; and -6.5 [CI, -9.0 to -3.9], respectively, vs -0.1 [CI, -2.9 to 2.7], P < 0.001; number needed to treat = 2.4). The clomipramine-fluoxetine combination is a safe and effective treatment for fluoxetine nonresponders, especially those who cannot tolerate high doses of fluoxetine. However, the period of monotherapy with the maximum dose of fluoxetine should be extended before a combination treatment strategy is applied.

Translational approaches to obsessive-compulsive disorder: from animal models to clinical treatment

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive ritualistic behaviours) leading to functional impairment. Accumulating evidence links these conditions with underlying dysregulation of fronto-striatal circuitry and monoamine systems. These abnormalities represent key targets for existing and novel treatment interventions. However, the brain bases of these conditions and treatment mechanisms are still not fully elucidated. Animal models simulating the behavioural and clinical manifestations of the disorder show great potential for augmenting our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of OCD. This paper provides an overview of what is known about OCD from several perspectives. We begin by describing the clinical features of OCD and the criteria used to assess the validity of animal models of symptomatology; namely, face validity (phenomenological similarity between inducing conditions and specific symptoms of the human phenomenon), predictive validity (similarity in response to treatment) and construct validity (similarity in underlying physiological or psychological mechanisms). We then survey animal models of OC spectrum conditions within this framework, focusing on (i) ethological models; (ii) genetic and pharmacological models; and (iii) neurobehavioural models. We also discuss their advantages and shortcomings in relation to their capacity to identify potentially efficacious new compounds. It is of interest that there has been rather little evidence of 'false alarms' for therapeutic drug effects in OCD models which actually fail in the clinic. While it is more difficult to model obsessive cognition than compulsive behaviour in experimental animals, it is feasible to infer cognitive inflexibility in certain animal paradigms. Finally, key future neurobiological and treatment research areas are highlighted.

Pharmacological management of treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder

Once considered rare and resistant to treatment, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has now emerged as a common, yet often unrecognized, psychiatric condition. Treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is effective in 40-60% of patients with OCD. Management of the remaining 40-60% of patients with treatment-resistant OCD is challenging. We review up-to-date evidence focusing on strategies for treatment-resistant OCD, including increasing the dose of SSRI, switching to another SSRI, augmentation with antipsychotics, and the use of serotonin noradrenaline (norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Finally, we provide a flow chart, which includes nonpharmacological interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, family interventions and physical interventions such as neurosurgery and deep brain stimulation, alongside the pharmacological strategies.

High-dose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in OCD: a systematic retrospective case notes survey

This article presents a systematic, retrospective case-note survey of a specialist obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) outpatient service. We explore the frequency of 'high-dose' selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) prescribing and describe clinical outcomes in a naturalistic clinical setting. Patients receiving high doses were compared with 'control' cases at the following three time-points: referral, initiation of high-dose SSRI and last clinical assessment.Twenty-six (13.5%) out of 192 patients received high-dose treatment for 3-364 weeks (mean 81.5 weeks; SD = ±95.1). At referral, high-dose patients were significantly more likely than controls to be male, and to have received Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), although illness severity and complexity did not differ. At initiation of dose escalation, however, high-dose patients were significantly more symptomatic than controls (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale score [Y-BOCS 25.4 vs. 17.7]). At the last assessment, patients on high-dose treatment showed significant within-group improvements (Y-BOCS 25.35 vs. 20.95), although endpoint scores for the high-dose group remained significantly higher than control patients treated for a matched period (Y-BOCS 21.0 vs. 15.5), suggesting enduring treatment-resistance. Frequency of adverse effects did not significantly differ between the two groups. Our results suggest that high-dose SSRI was associated with clinical improvement and well-tolerated in a particularly refractory OCD sample.

Drug treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Knowledge of pharmacotherapeutic treatment options in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has grown considerably over the past 40 years. Serotonergic antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and clomipramine, are the established pharmacologic first-line treatment of OCD. Medium to large dosages and acute treatment for at least 3 months are recommended until efficacy is assessed. In case of significant improvement, maintenance treatment is necessary. Unfortunately, about half of the patients do not respond sufficiently to oral serotonergic antidepressants; augmentation with atypical antipsychotics is an established second-line drug treatment strategy. Alternatives include intravenous serotonergic antidepressants and combination with or switch to cognitive behavioral psychotherapy. Remarkably, a considerable proportion of OCD patients still do not receive rational drug treatment. Novel research approaches, such as preliminary treatment studies with glutamatergic substances, and trials with further drugs, as well as needed aspects of future research, are reviewed.

Current trends in drug treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

This article aims to highlight current trends in the pharmacologic management of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A systematic search of the electronic database MEDLINE was conducted. The first case report of clomipramine efficacy in the management OCD more than 40 years ago gave new hope for the treatment of this debilitating disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) proved to have a similar efficacy profile compared with clomipramine but had a superior tolerability profile. While many patients with OCD respond to SSRIs or clomipramine, the treatment of those with refractory OCD remains challenging. Different augmentation agents in treatment-resistant OCD have been explored, with antipsychotic agents having the largest supporting evidence base. Nevertheless, new pharmacologic treatment options are required and are under investigation.

New pharmacotherapeutic approaches to obsessive-compulsive disorder

This article summarizes results of all pharmacotherapy trials for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) published from 2006 to 2008 as well as studies on markers for predicting response to treatment and neurobiological changes induced by pharmacotherapy. Results show that recent developments in the treatment of OCD have been modest and primarily involve evidence for the efficacy of escitalopram and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); augmentation with antipsychotics in treatment-refractory patients and combination treatment with D-cycloserine and cognitive-behavioral therapy has also been effective. The efficacy of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors remains inconclusive. Studies on markers of clinical response have shown inconsistent results, however, duration and severity of OCD and the presence of comorbidities can often identify patients at risk for nonresponse. Lastly, successful treatment with an SSRI results in both serotonergic and dopaminergic changes, but more research is necessary in order to define the biological characteristics of responders and nonresponders.

World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and post-traumatic stress disorders - first revision

In this report, which is an update of a guideline published in 2002 (Bandelow et al. 2002, World J Biol Psychiatry 3:171), recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are presented. Since the publication of the first version of this guideline, a substantial number of new randomized controlled studies of anxiolytics have been published. In particular, more relapse prevention studies are now available that show sustained efficacy of anxiolytic drugs. The recommendations, developed by the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) Task Force for the Pharmacological Treatment of Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive and Post-traumatic Stress Disorders, a consensus panel of 30 international experts, are now based on 510 published randomized, placebo- or comparator-controlled clinical studies (RCTs) and 130 open studies and case reports. First-line treatments for these disorders are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and the calcium channel modulator pregabalin. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are equally effective for some disorders, but many are less well tolerated than the SSRIs/SNRIs. In treatment-resistant cases, benzodiazepines may be used when the patient does not have a history of substance abuse disorders. Potential treatment options for patients unresponsive to standard treatments are described in this overview. Although these guidelines focus on medications, non-pharmacological were also considered. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other variants of behaviour therapy have been sufficiently investigated in controlled studies in patients with anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD to support them being recommended either alone or in combination with the above medicines.

Quetiapine addition to serotonin reuptake inhibitors in patients with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVE

Although many patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) benefit from treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), it is estimated that 40% to 60% of them do not respond. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of quetiapine added to baseline treatment with SRIs for the treatment of OCD in severely ill adult subjects.

METHOD

Forty patients (21 men, 19 women) with primary OCD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria participated in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They were randomly assigned to dosages of quetiapine titrated up to 400 mg/d (n = 20) or to placebo (n = 20) in addition to their SRI treatment. During the continuation phase (weeks 6-12), subjects received different dosages between 400 and 600 mg/d depending on clinical response. At entry, all patients were unresponsive to at least 1 course of at least 12 weeks of treatment with SRIs at defined doses. The total Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale score was the primary efficacy parameter.

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat, last-observation-carried-forward analysis demonstrated a mean +/- SD decrease in Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale score of 5.2 +/- 5.4 in the quetiapine group and 3.9 +/- 4.9 in the placebo group. The analysis of treatment effects between the 2 groups showed no significant difference. There were no significant group differences in any of the other self-rating scales or clinician-administered rating scales.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, augmentation of SRI treatment with quetiapine in severe OCD had no additional effect.

The medical treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first-line pharmacotherapy treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Clomipramine is effective in OCD but associated with more adverse events. Typically, higher doses of antidepressants are required for OCD. Up to 50% of patients do not respond to initial treatment of OCD. Treatment options for nonresponders include augmentation of antidepressants with atypical antipsychotics, among other strategies. First-line treatments for anxiety disorders include SSRIs, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and pregabalin. Tricyclic antidepressants are equally effective as SSRIs, but are less well tolerated. In treatment-resistant cases, benzodiazepines may be used when the patient does not have a history of dependency and tolerance. Other treatment options include irreversible and reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors, the atypical antipsychotic quetiapine, and other medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been sufficiently investigated in controlled studies of OCD and anxiety disorders and is recommended alone or in combination with the above medications.

8-week, single-blind, randomized trial comparing risperidone versus olanzapine augmentation of serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder

The aim of the present pilot study was to investigate in a single-blind manner, over a period of 8 weeks, the comparative efficacy and tolerability of risperidone versus olanzapine addition in the treatment of OCD patients who did not show a >or=35% decrease in the YBOCS score after 16-week SRI treatment (defined as resistant). The study consisted of two different phases: a 16-week open-label prospective phase to ascertain resistance to SRI treatment and an 8-week single-blind addition phase for resistant subjects only. Ninety-six subjects with DSM-IV OCD (YBOCS>or=16) entered the open-label prospective phase; at the end of the 16-week period, 50 (52%) were judged to be resistant and were randomized to receive risperidone (1 to 3 mg/d) or olanzapine (2.5 to 10 mg/d) addition for 8 weeks. Overall, patients in both groups responded significantly, without differences between the two treatment groups; although no differences emerged for the proportion of patients reporting at least an adverse event, the profiles of adverse experiences differed significantly, being risperidone associated with amenorrhoea and olanzapine with weight gain.

The atypical antipsychotics olanzapine and risperidone in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent and disabling mental illness. Small studies found atypical antipsychotics (AAs) to be beneficial in the treatment of patients with PTSD regardless of psychotic symptoms who are unresponsive to conventional pharmacological treatments such as serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors. This study reports the results of a meta-analysis of existing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of AAs as a monotherapy or augmentation therapy for the treatment of patients with PTSD. Seven RCTs were identified through extensive scans of databases, which included PubMed, MedLine, the National PTSD Center Pilots database, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Abstracts Library of the American Psychiatric Association with predefined inclusion criteria. Dichotomous and continuous measures were performed using a fixed effects model, heterogeneity was assessed, and subgroup analyses were done. Data from seven RCTs involving a total of 192 PTSD patients (102 randomized to AAs and 90 randomized to placebo) were analyzed. The results show that AAs may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of PTSD, as indicated by the changes from baseline in Clinician Administered PTSD Scale total scores [standardized mean difference (SMD)=-0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-0.75, -0.14), P=0.004]. In addition, the overall SMD of the mean changes in the three Clinician Administered PTSD Scale subscores was statistically significant (P=0.007) between AAs and placebo groups, favoring AAs over placebo (SMD=-0.27, 95% CI=-0.47, -0.07). In particular, the symptom of 'intrusion' was mainly responsible for this significance. Clinical significance of the results, however, should be carefully interpreted and translated into clinical practice, given that the quality and availability of currently existing RCTs included in the analysis.

An update on the pharmacological treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

The purpose of this article is to introduce the reader to an updated evidence-based drug treatment algorithm to be employed in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Relevant studies were identified through a comprehensive review and classified according to the type of patients enrolled, the quality of the study design and the invasiveness, availability and complexity of the therapeutic approach. When ineffective, therapeutic trials with first-line strategies (such as the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors [SSRIs] and venlafaxine) should be followed by treatment approaches such as clomipramine, augmentation with antipsychotics or pindolol, SSRI megadoses or cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapeutic strategies are expected to help most patients with OCD. Additional approaches include intravenous clomipramine, oral morphine, 'heroic drug strategies', deep brain stimulation and functional neurosurgery. Independent studies are urgently needed to help identify the most promising drug treatment sequences for OCD.