Obsessive–compulsive disorder

The efficacy of the SRIs for OCD, together with the lack of efficacy of adrenergic antidepressants, has suggested that serotonin is involved in the pathophysiology of OCD. This relationship was validated by research on serotonergic markers in OCD and by the challenge paradigm. Which type of serotonergic receptor is involved in the pathogenesis and/or the mechanism of action of anti-obsessional drugs, is still unclear. However, the possible role of 5HT1B has emerged. Further studies are crucial for elucidating the role of serotonin and other neurotransmitters (i.e. dopamine) in the pathophysiology and management of OCD.