[The neurobiological approaches to obsessive-compulsive disorder]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Genetics

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has a lifetime prevalence exceeding 2% globally.
• Current first-line treatments like serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive behavior therapy offer insights into OCD pathophysiology.
• Understanding the complex mechanisms of OCD is crucial for developing more effective therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize current pathophysiological models of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• To explore the roles of genetics, neurobiology, and immunology in OCD.
• To identify potential avenues for future research and treatment development.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of contemporary pathophysiological models of OCD.
• Summary of findings related to genetics and neuropathology in cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical (CTSC) circuits.
• Inclusion of evidence from associations with Tourette's syndrome, autoimmune factors (PANDAS), serologic surveys, and animal models.

Main Results:

• Genetics plays a role in OCD development.
• Neuropathology within CTSC circuits is implicated in OCD.
• Autoimmune mechanisms, including PANDAS, and associations with Tourette's syndrome are relevant to OCD pathophysiology.

Conclusions:

• Further genetic, neuroimmunological, and neuroimaging research is essential.
• These research areas hold promise for developing innovative treatments for OCD.
• A comprehensive understanding of OCD's multifaceted origins is key to advancing patient care.