Advances on the application of the Human Brainnetome Atlas in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, significantly impacting patients' quality of life, social functioning, and overall well-being. Recent advances in neuroimaging techniques, particularly the development and application of the Human Brainnetome Atlas (BNA), have provided precise structural and functional subdivisions of the human brain, greatly enhancing the understanding of OCD neuropathology. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest applications of BNA in OCD research, specifically emphasizing detailed analyses of structural and functional connectivity abnormalities within neural circuits, their associations with clinical symptoms, and potential mechanisms underlying these abnormalities. Additionally, the utility of BNA in classifying patient subtypes based on distinct neurobiological profiles and its role in facilitating early diagnostic interventions are discussed. Methodological limitations are also addressed, underscoring the necessity of controlling confounding variables, such as pharmacological treatments and clinical heterogeneity, to strengthen research outcomes. Finally, future research directions are proposed, including the integration of BNA with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, multimodal imaging methods, and individualized neuromodulation strategies, to further refine and expand precision medicine approaches in OCD management.