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Compulsive disorders
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Psychiatry Research MEB, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. donald-black@uiowa.edu
Current Psychiatry Reports
|January 24, 2004
Summary
Compulsive disorders, like trichotillomania and gambling disorder, involve excessive thoughts and uncontrolled behaviors. Treatments show success, with cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications like serotonin reuptake inhibitors being key areas of focus.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Compulsive disorders are characterized by intrusive thoughts and uncontrollable behaviors.
- Examples include trichotillomania, kleptomania, pathological gambling, compulsive buying, sexual behavior, and computer use.
- Their relationship to obsessive-compulsive disorder is debated, though they may represent a spectrum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of compulsive disorders.
- To discuss therapeutic and pharmacologic treatment successes.
- To explore the evolving treatment landscape.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of compulsive disorders.
- Analysis of psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacologic treatment approaches.
- Examination of recent intervention shifts.
Main Results:
- Significant advancements have been made in understanding and treating compulsive disorders.
- Cognitive-behavioral modalities are increasingly favored over psychodynamic approaches.
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are well-studied, with other agents also under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Compulsive disorders are a complex group of conditions with evolving treatment strategies.
- Psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic interventions offer viable treatment options.
- Continued research is essential for refining management of these disorders.