Obsessive compulsive neurosis [contemporary concepts]

ABSTRACT

Obsessive compulsive neurosis is a troublesome but a rare disease, with a prevalence of less than 5 percent of all psychiatric disorders. The scientific concepts on the subject are the outcome of the long continued hard work of many benefactors condensed in the historical background. Glossary of mental disorders and guide to their classification, published by the world Health Organisation, settles many disputes and provides a sound footing for the re-evaluation of previous claims -and for the guidance of future studies. The clinical features, natural history, family studies and personal influences have been tabulated in sequence of the classical history taking, Aetiological factors include only the accepted views, while diagnosis portion includes all the conditions which may present with obsessional symptoms. Current views on complications and various forms of treatment have been summarised, followed by the general prognostic factors