Aripiprazole-induced Obsessive-compulsive Symptoms

Aripiprazole-induced Obsessive-compulsive Symptoms

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCSs) can be very debilitating in patients with schizophrenia, with a prevalence of OCS estimated to be around 7% - 64%. Being comorbid with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) or having antipsychotic-induced OCS has been associated with poorer outcomes and increased suicidality. Previous reports suggested that second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics might induce or exacerbate OCSs, including risperidone, quetiapine, olanzapine, and clozapine. Among the atypical antipsychotics, aripiprazole has a unique pharmacological profile by acting as a dopamine D2 partial agonist, serotonin 5-HT1A partial agonist, and 5-HT2A full antagonist. Despite its beneficial effect in treating OCS, some evidence indicates that aripiprazole potentially induces OCS [3]. In addition, the relationship between aripiprazole dosage and OCS severity has not been addressed. Herein, we present a case of a patient with new-onset OCS with dose-related severity during aripiprazole treatment.