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Treating obsessive compulsive disorder: a new role for infectious diseases physicians?
John Hambridge1, Mark Loewenthal
1Department of Psychiatry, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia. John.Hambridge@hunter.health.nsw.gov.au
Summary
Infectious disease physicians can help manage obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) by collaborating with mental health professionals. This integrated approach aids in patient retention and treatment for this disabling condition.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Infectious Diseases
- Psychology
Background:
- Psychiatric disorders frequently require consultation with infectious disease physicians.
- Physicians may identify primary psychiatric conditions for referral or manage comorbid psychiatric and infectious diseases.
- Collaboration between psychiatry and infectious diseases is uncommon.
Observation:
- A modified Danger Ideation Reduction Therapy (DIRT) was developed for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
- This modified DIRT protocol involves a significant collaborative role for the infectious diseases physician in patient psychological treatment.
Findings:
- The modified DIRT protocol demonstrated encouraging results in an uncontrolled trial.
- Further validation through a randomized controlled trial is recommended.
Implications:
- A multidisciplinary approach involving infectious disease physicians, microbiology labs, and psychologists can improve OCD patient retention.
- This collaborative model offers a valuable strategy for managing obsessive compulsive disorder.