Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
09:14
Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: March 14, 2025
Cross-cutting issues and future directions for the OCD spectrum
Eric Hollander1, Suah Kim, Ashley Braun
1Department Psychiatry, Child Psychiatry Annex, Montefiore Medical Center, University Hospital of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467-2490, United States. eholland@montefiore.org
Psychiatry Research
|October 9, 2009
Summary
Research suggests grouping obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders into an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder (OCSD) category for DSM-V. This re-evaluation considers shared phenomenology, genetics, and treatment responses.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- The DSM-V research agenda explored similarities between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders characterized by repetitive thoughts or behaviors.
- This investigation aimed to re-evaluate the DSM-IV-TR classification of OCD and anxiety disorders.
Discussion:
- Several disorders, including body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), Tourette's syndrome (TS), and trichotillomania (TTM), exhibit significant overlap with OCD in phenomenology, comorbidity, genetics, and treatment.
- Impulse control disorders (ICDs) share some features with OCD but also present distinct characteristics.
Key Insights:
- Data support the potential inclusion of a new category, obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSDs), in DSM-V.
- Systematic examination identified disorders meeting criteria for this proposed OCSD grouping.
Outlook:
- The findings stem from an international collaboration and a conference focused on refining the diagnostic classification of OCSDs for DSM-V.
- Future psychiatric diagnosis may incorporate a more nuanced understanding of the obsessive-compulsive spectrum.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent obsessions, compulsions, or both, which consume significant time and interfere with daily functioning. Obsessions involve persistent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that evoke anxiety. Common examples include irrational fears of contamination or harm. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. For instance, individuals...
01:30Oppositional Defiant Disorder
A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Diagnostic Criteria and...
01:29Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
The development of psychological disorders, which are characterized by deviant, maladaptive, and personally distressing behaviors, has been explored through several theoretical approaches.
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
01:43Sex Linked Disorders
Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
01:25Strategies for Assessing and Addressing Confounding
Confounding is a critical issue in epidemiological studies, often leading to misleading conclusions about associations between exposures and outcomes. It occurs when the relationship between the exposure and the outcome is mixed with the effects of other factors that influence the outcome. Given that, addressing confounding is of high importance for drawing accurate inferences in research.
Confounding can be addressed at both the design phase of a study and through analytical methods after data...
Confounding can be addressed at both the design phase of a study and through analytical methods after data...
01:24Personality Disorders: Dependent and Obsessive-Compulsive
Dependent personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder are two separate psychological conditions that influence behavior, relationships, and overall life functioning. Though both involve maladaptive behaviors, their core characteristics and motivations differ significantly.
Dependent Personality Disorder
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive reliance on others to manage various aspects of life. Individuals with this disorder often struggle with...
Dependent Personality Disorder
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive reliance on others to manage various aspects of life. Individuals with this disorder often struggle with...