J Korean Soc Biol Psychiatry.  1997 Nov;4(2):179-187.

Role of Serotonin in Pathophysiology and Treatment of OCD

• Kim CH

Abstract

The clinical efficacy of serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as clomipramine in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD) has fueled interest in the neurobiological basis of the illness. OCD is responsive exclucively to potent serotonin reuptake clomipramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, and paroxetine and the point forms the important evidence supporting a cental role for serotonin in the pathogenesis of the disorder. Other serotonergic medications such as lithium, buspirone, trazodone, or fenfluramine may be useful as adjuvant treatments in treatment-refractory OCD and adjuvant antipsychotics are useful in tic disorder, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders. This paper reviews results of treatment studies, investigations of biological markers, and neuroendocrine challenges and implications for the role of serotonin in pathophysiology and treatment of OCD.

MeSH Terms

Antipsychotic Agents
Biomarkers
Buspirone
Clomipramine
Fenfluramine
Fluoxetine
Fluvoxamine
Lithium
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Paroxetine
Personality Disorders
Psychotic Disorders
Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
Serotonin*
Sertraline
Tic Disorders
Trazodone
Antipsychotic Agents
Buspirone
Clomipramine
Fenfluramine
Fluoxetine
Fluvoxamine
Lithium
Paroxetine
Serotonin
Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
Sertraline
Trazodone