Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be considered a complex entity with possibly different subgroups responsive to specific treatment. This article presents two cases of OCD with self-mutilation, successfully treated with serotonergic antidepressants. The authors discuss a sub-group of OCD patients whose rituals present as self-destructive behavior and are responsive to pharmacotherapy.
References
1.
GardnerA.R., GardnerA.J.Self-mutilation, obsessionality and narcissism.Br J Psychiatry1975; 127: 127–132.
2.
StinnettJ., HollenderM.Compulsive self-mutilation.J Nerv Ment Dis1970; 150: 371–375.
3.
CarrollJ., SchafferC.Family experiences of self-mutilating patients.Am J Psychiatry1980; 137: 852–853.
4.
BlackA.The natural history of obsessional neurosis. In: BuchH.R., ed. Obsessional states.London: Methuen Co., 1974: 19–54.
5.
MyersJ.K., WeissmanM.M., FischerG.L.Six-month prevalence of psychiatric disorder in three communities.Arch Gen Psychiatry1984; 41: 959–967.
6.
HelzerJ.E., RobinsL.N.A comparison of clinical and diagnostic interview schedule diagnoses.Arch Gen Psychiatry1985; 42: 657–666.
7.
ThornP., AsbergU., CrossholmB.Clomipramine treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder: controlled clinical trial.Arch Gen Psychiatry1980; 37: 1281–1289.
8.
FontaineR., ChouinardG.An open clinical trial of fluoxetine in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.J Clin Psychopharmacol1986; 6: 98–101.
9.
KaplanH.I., SadockB.J. eds. Comprehensive textbook of psychiatry, IV.Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1985: 700.
10.
MacleanG., RobertsonB.Self-enucleation and psychosis.Arch Gen Psychiatry1976; 33: 242–259.