Refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder with symptoms regressing after thalamic infarction: A case report

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Neurology

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common neuropsychiatric condition linked to the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical loop.
• The exact cause of OCD, particularly in refractory cases, remains unclear, though structural brain lesions are rare contributors.
• Understanding these rare cases aids in elucidating the neurobiology of psychiatric diseases.

Observation:

• A patient presented with refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• The patient experienced symptom regression following a thalamic infarction.
• This case highlights a potential link between thalamic lesions and OCD symptom severity.

Findings:

• Structural brain lesions, specifically thalamic infarction, can be a cause of refractory psychiatric symptoms like OCD.
• Thalamic lesions may play a significant role in the manifestation and severity of OCD.
• Observed symptom improvement suggests the thalamus is critical in OCD pathophysiology.

Implications:

• This case study provides valuable insights into the neurobiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• It suggests that thalamic function is crucial for managing OCD symptoms.
• Further research into thalamic involvement in psychiatric disorders may reveal novel therapeutic targets.