[Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in an adult]

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a common, chronic and functionally incapacitating psychiatric disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive acts. First-line drug therapy utilizes serotonin reuptake inhibitors at dosages that are usually higher and yield slower responses than those used in the treatment of major depression. Second generation antipsychotics or haloperidol may also be beneficial. Merely behavioral and/or cognitive psychotherapy may be applied in mild and moderate cases, whereas a combination of different forms of therapy is the most effective treatment in severe forms.