Therapeutic approaches to the treatment of refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating condition that afflicts approximately 1% to 3% of the world population. The primary treatments are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and behavioral therapy. Despite therapy, approximately 30% to 40% of patients continue to suffer from disabling OCD symptoms. This article addresses the range of treatment options for patients with refractory OCD, focusing upon novel strategies and the most recent research.