Mapping dopamine's role in obsessive-compulsive disorder: A scoping review of neural circuits, brain regions, and behavioral implications

Dopamine plays a central role in various brain functions and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This scoping review examines the role of dopamine in OCD, focusing on its impact on neural circuits, brain regions, and behavioral manifestations. Evidence from 19 studies reveals consistent dopaminergic dysfunction across key brain structures, particularly in the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuits. Altered dopamine receptor availability was observed in the dorsal striatum, ventral striatum, and anterior cingulate cortex, contributing to cognitive rigidity, emotional dysregulation, and compulsive behaviors. Pharmacological findings highlight the complexity of dopamine's role, with both hyperdopaminergic and hypodopaminergic states influencing symptoms. Dopamine antagonists and partial agonists have demonstrated efficacy in targeting overactivation of striatum and restoring cortical balance. These findings underscore the importance of dopamine as a therapeutic target and highlight the need for circuit-specific interventions and tailored treatment strategies.