Neurocognitive profile analysis in obsessive-compulsive disorder

J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2008 Jul;14(4):640-5. doi: 10.1017/S1355617708080727.

Abstract

Although neurocognitive deficits have been identified in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), little research has focused on whether these deficits are generalized or specific to a given cognitive domain. We assessed the relative strengths and weaknesses of 26 adult patients with OCD compared to 38 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers in domains of motor, verbal memory, visual memory, reasoning/problem solving, processing speed processing, and language. Profile analysis revealed an overall neurocognitive deficit of 1/2 standard deviation in OCD patients versus healthy volunteers, with relative weaknesses in motor and processing speed domains. In contrast, relative strengths were observed in language, verbal memory, and reasoning/problem solving. Our findings demonstrate neurocognitive impairment in OCD that may relate to functional outcome in this population. Findings of specific abnormalities on tasks of motor and processing speed are consistent with a hypothesized role of thalamocortical and basal ganglia regions in the pathogenesis of OCD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Basal Ganglia / physiopathology
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiopathology
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Net / physiopathology
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data*
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / physiopathology
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / psychology
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Reference Values
  • Thalamus / physiopathology