Bupropion for Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: An Open-Label, Fixed-Dose Study

Objective: In the present study, we examined the efficacy of bupropion for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Method: Twelve patients with OCD according to DSM-IV criteria were included in an open trial with bupropion, maximum dosage 300 mg per day, during 8 weeks. The primary efficacy parameter was the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). A responder was defined by a reduction in score on the YBOCS of >= 25%. Data were collected from February 2003 to July 2003.

Results: An intent-to-treat analysis using the last observation carried forward demonstrated that bupropion had no mean effect on OCD symptoms (mean YBOCS decrease was 1.1 ± 9.6). Four patients improved, with a mean decrease on the YBOCS of 31%, and 2 of them met responder rate criteria. Eight patients experienced an exacerbation of OCD symptoms, with a mean increase on the YBOCS of 21%.

Conclusion: Bupropion is not an effective treatment for OCD, but the bimodal distribution of the effect supports the notion that dopamine might be involved in the pathophysiology of OCD.