NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING IN OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER - A CLINICAL REVIEW

The role of neuropsychological testing in assessment of obsessive-comp ulsive disorder (OCD) is examined by review of 8 case reports and 14 p atient series. Investigators generally agreed on localization of dysfu nctional areas (e.g., prefrontal and frontal regions, limbic system, b asal ganglia). They disagreed as to hemisphere and frontal lobe side i mpairment, involvement of other brain areas, pathophysiological connec tions, and impact of developmental phases and of concomitant cognitive and affective conditions. Conclusions about OCD pathogenesis are limi ted by test and sample variability. The authors outline an integrative approach based on sensorial and cognitive information disruptions tha t require activation of less specialized circuits. OCD may be syndromi c, and subgroups may exist based on related but differentiable biochem ical pathways.