Obsessive–Compulsive and Related Disorders

doi:10.1017/9781911623137.061

9.6 - Obsessive–Compulsive and Related Disorders

from 9 - Integrated Neurobiology of Specific Syndromes and Treatments

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 November 2023

Eileen M. Joyce and

Edited by

Peter B. Jones and

Mary-Ellen Lynall: Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
Peter B. Jones: Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
Stephen M. Stahl: Affiliation:
University of California, San Diego

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Summary

Of the obsessive compulsive or related disorders (OCRDs), obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) remains the most well studied. In this section we review the integrated neurobiology of the OCRDs, focusing on OCD as the exemplar, touching upon phenotypes, cognitive endophenotypes and neural circuitry. Converging evidence from the neurosciences identifies core deficits in behavioural inhibition, cognitive flexibility, habit learning, fear extinction and safety signalling, underpinned by specific abnormalities in corticostriatal-thalamic circuits. Treatments found to be effective include serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs, cognitive behavioural forms of psychotherapy, invasive or non-invasive neuromodulation or ablation of specific nodes or tracts within the corticostriatal-thalamic circuits. We conclude with a synthesis of the theoretical neural mechanisms leading to successful therapeutic intervention.

Type: Chapter
Information: Cambridge Textbook of Neuroscience for Psychiatrists , pp. 429 - 438

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781911623137.061 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2023

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