Work

Searching for the Immune Basis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Year: 2014

Type: review

Abstract: The etiopathogenesis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) remains elusive. Clinical observation of the elevated frequency of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with rheumatic fever, a post-streptococcal autoimmune disease, prompted the study of immune parameters in OCD. Anti-basal ganglia antibodies have been described in a subset of OCD patients. The assessment of circulating cytokines and immune cells confirmed unequivocal changes in at least some patients, although it is difficult to establish a particular immune profile in OCD. Several factors, including the use of psychotropic drugs and the presence of comorbid conditions, seem to influence these immune parameters.

Source: NeuroImmunoModulation

DOI: 10.1159/000356554

Authors: Antonio Lucio Teixeira, David Henrique Rodrigues, Andrea Hovarth Marques, Eurípedes C. Miguel, Leonardo F. Fontenelle

Institutions: Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Language: English

Topic: Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico