Advances in The Understanding and Management of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Comprehensive Review

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic and disabling psychiatric condition characterized by intrusive obsessions and repetitive compulsions, which significantly impair daily functioning. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, clinical features, and evaluation methods associated with OCD. The disorder involves a complex interplay of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors, with dysregulation in the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuitry playing a pivotal role. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) remain the first-line treatments. For refractory cases, neuromodulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) offer promising outcomes. Recent advances in neuroimaging, genetics, epigenetics, and digital therapeutic platforms are transforming the landscape of OCD diagnosis and treatment. The integration of precision psychiatry and novel pharmacological agents targeting glutamatergic pathways represents the future direction in personalized OCD management.