Stereotactic Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in Treatment-Resistant Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder with Comorbid Substance Abuse Disorder: A Prospective Single-Arm Study

نویسندگان

1 Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt

2 Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt

3 Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt

doi
10.48309/jmcs.2026.574470.2922
چکیده

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and substance use disorder (SUD) are chronic psychiatric conditions characterized by compulsivity, functional impairment, and high treatment resistance. Shared neurobiological mechanisms suggest potential benefits of targeted neurosurgical interventions in treatment-refractory cases. To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic impact of stereotactic radiofrequency thermocoagulation in patients with treatment-resistant OCD and comorbid SUD. This prospective single-arm interventional study included 40 adults (18–65 years) diagnosed with OCD and comorbid SUD refractory to pharmacotherapy and cognitive–behavioral therapy. All patients underwent stereotactic thermocoagulation targeting the anterior limb of the internal capsule, subgenual cingulate, nucleus accumbens, and cingulate gyrus. Obsessive–compulsive symptoms (Y-BOCS), depressive symptoms (HAMD), insight (BABS), and functional disability (Sheehan Disability Scale) were assessed at baseline and at multiple postoperative intervals up to 12 months. The mean age of participants was 42.3 ± 12.6 years, with 57.5% female. Y-BOCS scores decreased significantly from baseline to 12 months (P < 0.001), reflecting marked and sustained symptom relief. HAMD and BABS scores also improved significantly across follow-up, indicating reduction in depressive symptoms and enhanced insight. Functional impairment in work, social, and family domains showed progressive improvement. Adverse events were infrequent and mild, including isolated cases of hemorrhage, infection, or frontal syndrome, while cognitive deficits were rare. Stereotactic radiofrequency thermocoagulation appears to be a safe and effective intervention for treatment-resistant OCD with comorbid SUD, yielding sustained reductions in symptom severity, depressive manifestations, and functional disability.