Section - Quick Takes

02. The Pharmacologic Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Published on October 1, 2023 Certification expiration date: October 1, 2026

Kerstina Boctor, M.D.

Geriatric Psychiatrist - University of Toronto

Key Points

The primary treatment for OCD is SSRI monotherapy, complemented by cognitive–behavioral therapy.
Medications like SSRIs are pivotal for OCD treatment, with dose and duration being crucial. Augmentation with drugs such as risperidone or aripiprazole may benefit some patients.

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Text version

Hello. This is Kerstina Boctor with the Psychopharmacology Institute. I am delighted to discuss “The Pharmacological Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,” a paper by Dr. Christopher Pittenger.

First, let’s define OCD. OCD is characterized by recurrent, distressing, and impairing obsessions, compulsions, or both. This condition can severely impair a patient’s function. It affects their social and occupational life. Many patients describe it as debilitating, contingent upon the severity they experience. The prevalence is 1.3%—that’s approximately 1 in 80 in any given year—and it rises to 2.7% or 2 in 40 over a lifetime.

Obsessions are persistent thoughts, images, or urges experienced by individuals as intrusive and unwanted. These thoughts can be irrational and cause significant distress. In many instances, individuals understand these thoughts as maladaptive but may interpret them as overly influential. Consequently, they might experience compulsions: repetitive actions intended to alleviate the distress induced by obsessions.

It’s crucial to note

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03. Risk of Irreversible Post‑SSRI Sexual Dysfunction With Antidepressants

Learning Objectives:

Analyze the prevalence and patterns of smoking among individuals with psychosis compared with the U.S. general population.
Understand and explain the primary role of SSRI monotherapy in treating OCD.
Discuss the potential for irreversible sexual side effects associated with SSRIs.
Evaluate the effectiveness of DORAs in reducing delirium rates among mechanically ventilated ICU patients.
Identify the primary sleep disturbances in Parkinson's disease and evaluate the current psychopharmacologic interventions available.

Original Release Date: October 1, 2023

Review and Re-release Date: March 1, 2024

Expiration Date: October 1, 2026

Expert: Scott Beach, M.D., Paul Zarkowski, M.D., Gregory Pontone, M.D. Oliver Freudenreich, M.D., Kerstina Boctor, M.D.

Medical Editor: Melissa Mariano, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

Greg Pontone declares the following interest:

- Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc: consulting

Oliver Freudenreich declares the following interests:

- Alkermes: Research grant, consultant honoraria

- Janssen: Research grant, consultant honoraria

- Otsuka: Research grant

- Karuna: Research grant, consultant honoraria

- Neurocrine: Consultant honoraria

- Vida: Consultant honoraria

- Medscape: Honoraria

All of the relevant financial relationships listed above have been mitigated by Medical Academy and the Psychopharmacology Institute.

None of the other faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

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Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

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Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.