ABSTRACT

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and its relation to other related disorders has only recently become the focus of extensive investigations. Obsessive-compulsive (OC) spectrum disorders may conceivably affect up to 10% of the U.S. population (Hollander & Wong, 1995b). Our newly emerging knowledge raises many questions about research directions. In this chapter we define and elucidate the OCD spectrum, focus on the treatment-resistant population, and describe the future research initiatives that need to be undertaken.