Compulsivity in Alcohol Use Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Implications for Neuromodulation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major global health issue with high relapse rates.
• Compulsive alcohol use is a key factor in AUD progression and poor patient outcomes.
• Current AUD diagnosis (DSM-5) uses symptom clusters, but behavioral domains like compulsivity need further study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review neurobiological mechanisms common to AUD and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• To explore compulsivity, habit learning, and cognitive control disruptions in AUD and OCD.
• To propose neuromodulatory interventions for compulsive alcohol use in AUD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and discussion of existing research findings.
• Analysis of shared neurobiological underpinnings between AUD and OCD.
• Exploration of habit learning and cognitive control deficits.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests shared neurobiological mechanisms between AUD and OCD, particularly concerning compulsivity.
• Disruptions in habit learning and cognitive control are characteristic of both disorders.
• Neuromodulatory interventions show promise for targeting compulsivity in AUD.

Conclusions:

• Compulsivity may be a critical pathophysiological feature of AUD, especially in treatment-resistant stages.
• A transdiagnostic approach focusing on compulsivity can help destigmatize AUD.
• Identifying shared mechanisms may lead to novel, targeted therapeutic strategies for AUD and related disorders.