Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and often disabling disorder that is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. Once viewed as an expression of unconscious conflict, OCD is now widely regarded as a neuropsychiatric disorder. The pathogenesis of OCD is mediated by characteristic dysfunctions in neural circuitry and neurochemistry, which then culminate in hallmark diagnostic symptoms. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive behavioral therapy (exposure and response prevention) remain the first line pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, respectively, for OCD, further work to delineate the neurobiological basis of disease should help the search for novel therapeutic strategies.