Clinical practice guidelines for obsessive-compulsive disorder: 2025 update.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• The Indian Psychiatric Society's 2017 Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) required updating.
• Existing guidelines needed enhancement to incorporate recent evidence and address diverse patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated, evidence-based framework for assessing and managing OCD.
• To offer guidance on treatment strategies for various age groups and individuals with comorbidities.
• To detail recommendations for pharmacological, psychological, neuromodulatory, and neurosurgical interventions.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted for studies published since 2017.
• Evidence levels and strength of recommendations were evaluated for different treatment strategies.
• Guidelines were developed considering illness severity, comorbidities, treatment history, and patient preferences.

Main Results:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) remain first-line treatments for OCD.
• The guidelines detail evidence for various psychotherapy delivery methods and augmentation strategies.
• Management strategies for OCD with comorbid conditions, and in pediatric and geriatric populations, are discussed.

Conclusions:

• The updated CPG provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for OCD management.
• Practitioners can adapt these guidelines to individual patient needs and clinical settings.
• The guidelines emphasize a holistic approach, considering symptoms, insight, comorbidities, and patient preferences.