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The internal and external boundaries of obsessive-compulsive disorder
1Mental Health, Fremantle Hospital & Health Service, Western Australia, Australia. David.Castle@health.wa.gov.au
Objective:
This study aims to explore the internal and external boundaries of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Method:
Selected literature is reviewed.
Results:
Prevalence and incidence estimates for OCD vary markedly according to diagnostic criteria applied. External boundaries of the disorder are permeable, with a large degree of overlap with other psychiatric disorders, and an association with certain neurological disorders. Some cases of OCD appear to have a neurodevelopmental origin.
Conclusions:
Further delineation of disorders characterised by obsessional and compulsive symptoms can inform models of aetiology, pathophysiology and treatment.