ABSTRACT
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling anxiety disorder that is estimated to affect 2-3% of the general population of the United States. Until fairly recently OCD was considered a rare disorder with a poor prognosis. Advancements in the diagnosis, biology, and treatment have altered the prognosis favorably. OCD is estimated to be the fourth most common psychiatric disorder following phobias, substance abuse disorders, and the major depressive disorders (1). New treatment approaches, particularly pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, have significantly improved the clinical outcome for the majority of patients. A significant proportion of individuals suffering from OCD or an obsessivecompulsive spectrum disorder will have cutaneous lesions as part of their
pathology, thus are likely to consult with a dermatologist. A patient with OCD may present to a dermatologist with common symptoms or signs such as compulsive hand and/or body washing, neurotic excoriations, compulsive hair pulling (trichotillomania), acne excorie´e or compulsive skin picking, onychotillomania, fears of contamination or infestation, or a debilitating preoccupation or concern with an imagined or minor defect in appearance. The dermatologist familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of OCD in clinical practice can help reduce the significant morbidity associated with this common disorder.
