Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Comorbid with Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

This article outlines the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients comorbid with bipolar disorder (BD) (OCD-BD patients). The prevalence of BD in OCD patients, and of OCD in BD patients is high. OCD-BD patients often have other psychiatric comorbidities, reduced functioning, and less insight into their OCD compared to patients with pure OCD. The primary goal of OCD treatment in OCD-BD patients is to stabilize mood using mood stabilizers. Atypical antipsychotics augmentation to mood stabilizers may also be effective. When using SSRIs, mood stabilizers, or atypical antipsychotics should be used in combination and patients should be closely monitored to prevent mania. The potential of memantine as a treatment for OCD in OCD-BD patients is also discussed.