Aid for Obsessive-Compulsives

Many find it difficult to believe that some people--children and adults--are washing their hands as many as 100 times a day because they don’t feel they are clean enough, even though intellectually they know they are clean.

Others fear driving because if they hit a bump in the road, they think they may have hit someone and they have to stop the car and check to see that they did not. Thousands of students are failing their classes because they compulsively check locks, light switches, checkbooks stubs or anything else that can be checked. Marriages have broken up because one of the partners could not stand to watch--or comply with--the compulsive behavior of the other.

Life of Loneliness

Until recently, those suffering from obsessive-compulsive syndrome appeared to be doomed to a life of loneliness as they continued their senseless rituals. Tranquilizers and antidepressants have failed to give them any relief.

Although fluoxetine is approved only for use as an antidepressant, and although there are no controlled scientific trials proving its effectiveness in treating the syndrome, there have been several anecdotal case reports which indicate it may be helpful. Some controlled trials are currently under way but the results have not been submitted for peer review or publication in reputable medical journals.

Behavior Habit

People with the syndrome have been performing their fruitless compulsions for many years. While a drug such as fluoxetine may take away the biochemical need for the compulsion, a behavior habit may remain. Because of this, some psychiatrists who have treated the syndrome require their patients to see an expert in behavior modification during treatment.

Syndrome sufferers, or their families and friends can find centers where it is being treated by writing to the OCD Foundation, P.O. Box 60, Vernon, Conn. 06066. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope. A small donation to cover costs would be appreciated but is not necessary to receive information.