Aripiprazole augmentation in 13 patients with refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: A case series

Abstract

Objectives. The primary treatment for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). However, approximately a third of patients do not respond to SSRIs and remain chronically affected. Methods. Therefore, we added aripiprazole to SSRI therapy for 13 patients with treatment-refractory OCD (subjects who failed to respond to SSRI therapy for at least 2 months, and for an average of 508 days). Participants underwent at least 7 weeks of treatment with aripiprazole augmentation. Results. Patients were evaluated using the Y-BOCS and GAF scales. Aripiprazole (3–12 mg)/SSRI co-therapy significantly improved Y-BOCS and GAF scores. However, many patients needed to take antiparkinsonian drugs to control extrapyramidal symptoms. Conclusions. These results suggest that aripiprazole augmentation of SSRI therapy may be effective for treatment-refractory OCD.

Key words::

• Antipsychotics
• aripiprazole
• augmentation
• obsessive–compulsive disorder
• SSRI

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by a Grant-in-aid for scientific research (C) from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Japan.

Statement of Interest

None to declare.