VALIDITY OF THE NEUROETHOLOGICAL MODEL OF OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

In the aetiology and pathogenesis of obsessive-compulsive disorders (O CD) multiple factors play a role. Among biographic, genetic and behavi oral factors, biological mechanisms seem to be of relevance. Some auth ors have proposed a neuroethological model. This model implies a disco nnection in neural circuits, linking prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus. This review article addressed the question as to whether brain imaging studies support this theory. Conclusions because findin gs are not consistent and because of methodological limitations. The v alidity of a neuroethological model in OCD seems questionable.