Obsessive–compulsive disorder
A form of psychotherapy called "cognitive behavioral therapy" (CBT) and psychotropic medications are first-line treatments for OCD. Other forms of psychotherapy, such as psychodynamic and psychoanalysis may help in managing some aspects of the disorder, but in 2007 the American Psychiatric Association (APA) noted a lack of controlled studies showing their effectiveness "in dealing with the core symptoms of OCD". The fact that many individuals do not seek treatment may be due in part to stigma associated with OCD.
Besipirdine
Besipirdine was originally suggested as a treatment for OCD due to its effects on the adrenergic and serotonergic systems. "In vitro" studies of besipirdine indicated its potency in inhibiting serotonin reuptake in addition to norepinephrine reuptake. "In vivo", besipirdine showed efficacy in reducing schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) in rats. The drug's anticonvulsant properties ultimately led Hoechst AG to pursue it as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
After its discontinuation in the mid-90's, besipirdine was re-evaluated as an oral treatment for Over Active Bladder (OAB) and is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials, under UroGene. Interest in besipirdine as a treatment for OAB was piqued by its known effects on the adrenergic system. In isolated studies, besipirdine showed greater potency than duloxetine on bladder capacity, micturition volume, intercontraction interval, and an increase in striated sphincter EMG activity.