Obsessive-compulsive disorder in dermatologic practice.

Until recently, obsessive-compulsive disorder has been thought of as a rare illness with a poor prognosis. Epidemiologic studies have found that obsessive-compulsive disorder has a lifetime prevalence rate of 2% to 3%, double that of panic disorder or schizophrenia. Many patients with primary obsessive-compulsive disorder present initially to their medical specialist. Because of the frequency of nonspecific dermatitis in compulsive hand washers, as well as the number of patients presenting with somatic obsessions, dermatologists should be familiar with this disorder. The early recognition and diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder has taken on increasing importance because of the development of effective pharmacologic and behavioral treatment strategies.