Scientists Reveal New Mechanism that Helps Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Washington, September 21 (QNA) - Deep brain stimulation can halve the symptoms of severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD as it is commonly known, finds a pooled data analysis of the available evidence, published online in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.
Two thirds of those affected experienced substantial improvement within two years, finds the analysis.
OCD is characterized by intrusive and persistent obsessive thoughts along with dysfunctional and ritualized behaviors. It is thought to affect up to 3% of people.
It often begins early in life and is frequently accompanied by severe depression/anxiety. Those affected often find it difficult to go to school or work.
The 34 studies included 352 adults with an average age of 40, and severe to extreme OCD, the symptoms of which had not improved despite treatment. In 23 of the studies, participants were required to have had persistent symptoms for 5 or more years before consideration for surgery. (QNA)