Obsessive-compulsive disorder and immunology: a review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Growing interest in immune system's role in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders.
• Historical observations linking Sydenham chorea (SC) with increased obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS).
• Development of the PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection) diagnosis following observations of streptococcal infection triggering OCS in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and describe the immunological findings in OCD, PANDAS, and their association with SC.
• To explore potential biological markers for immune and genetic susceptibility in non-PANDAS OCD patients.
• To synthesize current research on immune system alterations in OCD patients.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Analysis of studies investigating immune parameters in OCD patients.
• Examination of research on PANDAS and Sydenham chorea.

Main Results:

• Few studies have reported positive results demonstrating alterations in immune parameters in OCD patients.
• The review synthesizes findings related to immune and genetic factors in OCD, PANDAS, and SC.
• The association between streptococcal infections and neuropsychiatric symptoms is a key focus.

Conclusions:

• The link between immune dysfunction and OCD, particularly in the context of PANDAS and SC, warrants further investigation.
• Identifying immune and genetic susceptibility markers could lead to better understanding and treatment of OCD.
• Continued research is needed to clarify the role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of OCD.