Unraveling the interactions between serotonin and dopamine in the compulsive and impulsive behaviour underlying obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

A lot is known about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) so far. It is known what obsessions and compulsions are, what brain regions are involved and even a treatment is available. So the aim of this thesis could be a summing up of all the obtainable data present in literature. But it is not like that. When looking closer into the information available about OCD, it is actually not a very well known disorder. Why do SSRI’s work and what is their precise mechanism of action in the brain? Why is adjuvant prescription of antipsychotics useful and what is the exact role of dopamine in this therapy? Many questions remain unanswered about the treatment. And then there is the impulsive behaviour seen in OCD patients. What is the difference between compulsive and impulsive behaviour and how can understanding of this matter contribute to more insights into the disorder, as well as improved treatment? This thesis will not provide the exact answers to all these questions. But an in-depth analysis will be given about the problems addressed in the previous section and hopefully enlighten the subject to those curious about OCD in every aspect. In this thesis it is made important to discuss the findings from literature. Why are these conclusions relevant and what is the consequence towards future directions? Starting with an introduction about the disorder, step by step more will be revealed about the roles of serotonin, dopamine, compulsive and impulsive behaviour, always bearing in mind the question: how can this be linked to a better treatment of this debilitating disorder?