Critique of reductionistic models of obsessive-compulsive disorder: toward a new explanatory paradigm

This paper explores extant research on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for the purpose of critically analyzing the serotonergic model of OCD, including the model's underlying assumptions, research methodologies and implications for drug-based treatment. Based on a review of animal and human research on self-efficacy, it is suggested that compulsive behaviors be viewed as behavioral strategies to increase feelings of self-efficacy. It is suggested that a research paradigm based on the self-efficacy model be used to explore these behaviors in both clinical and non-clinical populations with the aim of investigating causal factors and for purposes of treatment.