Neurobiological aspects of the etiology and pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorders

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common psychiatric illness charact erized by intrusive, repetitive thoughts and behaviours which cause marked distress. During the last decade, different models were developed for the p athophysiology of the obsessive-compulsive-disorder. Three different neurob iological models are introduced in this article: 1. model of dysfunctional kortikostriatal circuitry, 2. amygdalocentric model, 3. neurochemical model . These models don't exclude themselves mutually but supplement themselves and should ideally be integrated into a bio-psycho-social concept. Such inc reased understanding of the neurobiology can be translated into better diag nosis and treatment for those patients who suffer from obsessive-compulsive -disorder.