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Compulsive disorders

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Abstract

Compulsive disorders include a diverse group of conditions characterized by excessive thoughts or preoccupations combined with poorly controlled behaviors. They include trichotillomania, kleptomania, pathologic gambling, compulsive buying disorder, compulsive sexual behavior, and compulsive computer use. Some investigators have suggested that these conditions constitute a spectrum of disorders linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Others have questioned the validity of this conceptualization, and have debated the relationship between these disorders. Nevertheless, much has been learned about compulsive disorders, and there have been some successes with psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacologic treatments. Recent therapy-based interventions have moved from psychodynamic treatments toward cognitive-behavioral modalities. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors remain the best-studied pharmacologic treatment, but researchers have also explored other antidepressants, opioid agonists, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Psychiatry Research MEB, 52242, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Donald W. Black MD

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  1. John M. Kuzma MD
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  2. Donald W. Black MD
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Kuzma, J.M., Black, D.W. Compulsive disorders. Curr Psychiatry Rep 6, 58–65 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-004-0040-x

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