Created by: Top Doctors editorial
Created: 2023-04-02
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by the presence of distressing thoughts (obsessions) and recurrent and stereotypical behaviours (compulsions) persistently over time, causing anxiety and impairment of daily life. Depending on the severity of OCD, many patients are treated by combining psychotherapy with antidepressant prescription drugs. In some patients this therapy is not effective, in which case TOC surgery, consisting of stimulation of certain areas of the brain to control neurotransmitter imbalances causing this disorder is performed. To this end, radio frequency waves that produce a continuous and rhythmic discharge are used.