Obsessive-compulsive disorder in post-streptococcal infection.

OBJECTIVE

We describe the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms following a peritoneal infection with alpha-haemolytic streptococci.

CLINICAL PICTURE: A 35-year-old woman with no past history or family history of obsessions or compulsions developed these symptoms 2 weeks after a peritoneal infection.

TREATMENT: The patient received 80 mg fluoxetine daily.

OUTCOME: She responded to treatment with a progressive reduction in symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that these obsessions and compulsions may be related to an autoimmune response to the streptococcal infection.