[Obsessive-compulsive disorders]

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric illness, until recently considered a rare, mainly neurotic condition with poor prognosis. However, epidemiologic studies have shown that the condition has a 25-50 times higher frequency than previously assumed. A review of occurrence, phenomenology and comorbidity is given. Newer theories of etiology are discussed, underpinning neurobiological aspects of the illness. In its most severe forms OCD is a condition with a socially crippling course, but with the introduction of anti-depressants acting on serotonin reuptake the therapeutic possibilities have increased, especially when these drugs are given in combination with behaviour therapy.