The paradox of quetiapine in obsessive-compulsive disorder

CNS Spectr. 2005 May;10(5):356-61. doi: 10.1017/s1092852900022719.

Abstract

Schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have historical, clinical, and epidemiological links. The clinical use of atypical neuroleptics (ie, dual serotonin-dopamine antagonists) to treat both conditions sheds a new light on them. We report the first two cases of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) induced by quetiapine in schizophrenia patients. A case of successful augmentation by quetiapine in refractory OCD is also presented. A review of the literature on OCS induced by atypical neuroleptics follows. This paradoxically induced OCD symptomology in schizophrenia patients administered atypical neuroleptics is discussed from new pathophysiological and clinical perspectives. The discussion emphasizes the prognostic implications of OCS in schizophrenia and available therapies for this comorbidity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Benzodiazepines / adverse effects*
  • Benzodiazepines / therapeutic use
  • Clozapine / adverse effects*
  • Clozapine / therapeutic use
  • Dibenzothiazepines / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / chemically induced*
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Olanzapine
  • Quetiapine Fumarate
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Dibenzothiazepines
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Quetiapine Fumarate
  • Clozapine
  • Olanzapine