- by Preeti PandeyThe understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has indeed evolved significantly over time, moving away from historical attributions like demonic possession to modern, evidence-based biological, and psychological explanations. Among psychological explanations, the emergence of third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) has broadened the focus from traditional cognitive models to include factors related to the individual's relationship with their own experiences. One such factor…
- by Sébastien DufaultCONCLUSIONS: DBS significantly reduces OCD symptom severity in TR-OCD despite substantial heterogeneity, with greater improvements associated with longer follow-up duration and effects maintained for at least 30 months, alongside improvements in comorbid anxiety, depression, and global functioning. Not all anatomical stimulation sites are therapeutically equivalent, underscoring the importance of target selection. High-quality RCTs with standardized anatomical reporting are needed to consolidate…
- by Hui ChenNon-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). However, the most effective NIBS parameters are unclear. To compare the efficacy of NIBS in OCD. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analyses (NMA) to combine direct and indirect comparisons of NIBS.Systematic searches were conducted in Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science from inception to June 20, 2025. Forty-two randomized…
- by Jiangwei YangCONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found that AS, whether used alone or as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy or CBT, was associated with a mean reduction of approximately 3.14 points on the Y-BOCS. On a 0-40 scale, with substantial heterogeneity across studies, variable control conditions, and inconsistent methodological quality, this reduction is statistically significant but of uncertain clinical relevance. The evidence does not support a firm conclusion that AS is clinically effective, and the safety…
- by Xiaojiang LiuCONCLUSION: Pooled evidence from 14 RCTs does not support a statistically significant benefit of low-frequency, non-neuronavigated rTMS over sham for OCD symptom reduction (MD = -0.69, 95% CI: -1.75 to 0.38; P = 0.21). This finding is specific to low-frequency, non-neuronavigated surface-coil protocols and should not be interpreted as evidence against rTMS efficacy more broadly; approved deep TMS and neuronavigated protocols were outside the scope of this review. These results indicate that this…
- by Martin KronenbuergerCONCLUSIONS: Polymorphisms in candidate genes related to neurotransmission and appetite regulation continue to be investigated for associations with AIWG, while novel findings have emerged from GWAS, gene expression, and epigenetic studies. Evidence remains inconsistent due to limited replication, methodological variability, sparse ancestry data, and geographical underrepresentation. No single genetic variant is ready for clinical use, and multi-omic and multi-ancestry models are needed to…
- by Lars-Göran ÖstCognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has strong research support for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, less is known about long-term follow-up effects of CBT in OCD. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of different types of CBT for OCD in adults and children/adolescents. Four databases were systematically searched for studies published until March 2025. The effectiveness of CBT, methodological quality, and moderators were examined at post and follow-up. Forty-seven…
- by Margherita ZenoniWhilst intrusive mental images are recognised within diagnostic descriptions of obsessions in OCD, research remains limited, with most work focusing on intrusive thoughts. Moreover, it has been suggested that mental imagery might represent a distinct form of OCD symptomatology and could potentially be harnessed to treat symptoms. We performed a systematic review, adopting a two-phased approach, to examine the role of mental imagery in both the psychopathology and treatment of OCD. First, we…
- by Davide DoroldiCONCLUSION: The results of this study emphasize the association of sexual dysfunctions and OCD symptoms and the importance of evaluating sexual functioning in these patients, with a focus on enhancing their quality of life.
- by Şenay KılınçelCONCLUSION: The findings supported the clinical relevance of assessing problematic internet use in child and adolescent psychiatric practice. Integrating routine screening into mental health evaluations may facilitate identify at-risk individuals earlier.
What People Say
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney
It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
J. K. Rowling
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.
Dr. Seuss
Psychiatry Training UK 