Innovation in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder will not solve the care gap

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Source: BMJ

Original: http://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj.s472.short?rss=1...

Published: 2026-03-19T03:30:56-07:00

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects approximately 1–2% of the population and is one of the most disabling psychiatric conditions. People with OCD have an 82% increase in all-cause mortality compared to the general population, with suicide being the main factor. The disorder is associated with insufficient academic success and reduced quality in the labor market. A review by Abramowitz and colleagues identifies cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP) and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) as first-line treatments. Many OCD patients do not receive these treatments, particularly CBT, due to structural, financial, and geographic barriers. Among those who receive treatment, only about a third have a strong response (at least a 50% improvement in symptoms). Most patients have persistent symptoms. Innovation in treatment will not solve the care gap.