Drugs and Exposure Treatment in Phobic and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Abstract

Several classes of drugs have been used with behavioural treatments in phobic and obsessive-compulsive disorders (Marks 1981). Sedatives like barbiturates, benzodiazepines and alcohol have not been found to be of lasting benefit and in high doses may actually be counterproductive because what is learned under the influence of the drug usually fails to transfer to the drug-free state. Beta-blockers too have not had durable effects. Antidepressants seem to be of greater value.