The internal and external boundaries of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to explore the internal and external boundaries of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).


METHODS
Selected literature is reviewed.


RESULTS
Prevalence and incidence estimates for OCD vary markedly according to diagnostic criteria applied. External boundaries of the disorder are permeable, with a large degree of overlap with other psychiatric disorders, and an association with certain neurological disorders. Some cases of OCD appear to have a neurodevelopmental origin.


CONCLUSIONS
Further delineation of disorders characterised by obsessional and compulsive symptoms can inform models of aetiology, pathophysiology and treatment.
Castle
D J
DJ
Mental Health, Fremantle Hospital & Health Service, Western Australia, Australia. David.Castle@health.wa.gov.au
Groves
A
A
D006801:Humans; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015995:Prevalence