Acute onset and remission of obsessions and compulsions following medical illnesses and stress

Abstract

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is generally chronic. Episodic OCD with complete remission has been rarely reported. Two cases of brief episodic obsessions and compulsions that appeared for the first time following psychological stress and in the context of medical illness are reported. The possibility of brief episodes of OCD precipitated by stress is illustrated. Exploration of this phenomenon may help us learn more about OCD in general. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.