Obsessive-compulsive disorder as a 5-HT subsystem-related behavioural disorder

Involvement of the brain serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmitter system in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was originally suggested on the basis of therapeutic effects found with the semiselective serotonin uptake inhibitor, clomipramine. More recent studies directly comparing clomipramine with non-selective or norepinephrine-selective uptake inhibitors, such as desipramine or nortriptyline, as well as studies with new, more selective serotonin uptake inhibitors, including fluvoxamine and fluoxetine, have supported that hypothesis. Clomipramine's antiobsessional effect has been augmented with the serotonin precursor, L-tryptophan, or with lithium, which has prominent serotonergic effects. Patients whose OCD symptoms improved on clomipramine worsened when the drug was discontinued (regardless of duration of therapy) and improved when clomipramine was reinstituted. OCD symptoms also worsened when metergoline, a 5-HT antagonist, was given to patients who had improved with clomipramine. Metergoline given alone had no effect. Administration of m-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP), a 5-HT receptor agonist, to untreated OCD patients increased their anxiety, depression, and dysphoria, and exacerbated their OC symptoms. After 4 months of clomipramine therapy, m-CPP failed to produce the same behavioural effects, suggesting an alteration of a 5-HT subsystem (possibly downregulation of some 5-HT receptors). The data reviewed suggest an important role for an abnormal brain 5-HT subsystem in patients with OCD.