The relevance of new neurobiological findings for psychoanalytical concepts of obsessive-compulsive-disorder

Under a psychoanalytic view, the etiological relevance of neurobiological m odels of obsessive-compulsive-disorder is discussed referring pharmacologic al and behavioral therapeutic options. From the beginnings of clinical psyc hoanalytic research, neurobiological correlates were considered for the und erstanding of obsessive-compulsive-disorder. However, within etiological ps ychoanalytic models those correlative biological markers have not the statu s of monocausal independend variables. New biological findings regarding ob sessive-compulsive-disorder can also be integrated in psychoanalytic concep ts without renunciation of the significance; of unconscious processes and a n interaction oriented approach. Insight and symptom oriented therapies are characterized with regard to necessary further research and to their compl ementary benefits.