Chlorimipramine therapy for obsessive-compulsive neurosis.

Twenty patients with a history of treatment-resistant obsessional neurosis underwent a 4-week clinical trial of chlorimipramine. Scores on the Psychiatric Questionnaire for Obsessive Compulsive Neurosis, the Leyton Obsessional Inventory, and 3 self-assessments indicated that although there was no significant change in obsessive ruminations, obsessive rituals, horrific temptations, or pervading doubt, there was a substantial significant improvement in the obsessive symptom item and severity of obsessions, as well as anxiety, depression, and phobia. Side effects were mild. The authors believe that chlorimipramine is the most promising treatment for obsessive-compulsive neurosis.