Neurobiological aspects of the etiology and pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common psychiatric illness characterized by intrusive, repetitive thoughts and behaviours which cause marked distress. During the last decade, different models were developed for the pathophysiology of the obsessive-compulsive-disorder. Three different neurobiological models are introduced in this article: 1. model of dysfunctional kortikostriatal circuitry, 2. amygdalocentric model, 3. neurochemical model. These models don't exclude themselves mutually but supplement themselves and should ideally be integrated into a biopsychosocial concept. Such increased understanding of the neurobiology can be translated into better diagnosis and treatment for those patients who suffer from obsessive-compulsive-disorder.