[Neuropsychological update on obsessive-compulsive disorder]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychiatry

Context:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with structural and functional abnormalities in fronto-estriatal circuits.
• These abnormalities are hypothesized to underlie cognitive deficits and clinical symptoms in OCD patients.

Purpose:

• To review neurocognitive functioning, including attention, memory, and executive functions, in patients with OCD.
• To synthesize findings from studies examining the relationship between brain function and cognitive performance in OCD.

Summary:

• Studies reveal mixed results for selective attention and processing speed in OCD.
• Patients with OCD exhibit deficits in executive functions, specifically attentional shifting, response inhibition, and planning.
• Memory impairments are evident in non-verbal domains, with less clarity in verbal memory, potentially linked to strategy deficits and doubt.

Impact:

• Executive function deficits represent the most consistent neuropsychological impairment observed in OCD.
• Acknowledges heterogeneity and methodological limitations (comorbidity, medication) affecting definitive conclusions.
• Highlights the need for future research to control confounding variables and explore cognitive processes-symptom relationships in OCD.