Executive Functions’ Alterations In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.42.117.AO15

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by persistent obsessive and compulsive symptoms. Dysfunctions in two inhibitory systems related to cognitive and behavioral processes are believed to be associated with the pathophysiology of OCD. These dysfunctions can affect not only the cognitive and behavioral symptoms, but also the neuropsychological deficits observed in this disorder, such as attention, memory, planning, and decision-making. This study presents a systematic literature review aiming to investigate alterations in executive functions in individuals with OCD. The search was conducted in the Scopus and Scielo databases, resulting in a final sample of 13 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated deficiencies in executive functions and non-verbal memory in patients with OCD when compared to healthy control groups. However, there were inconsistencies in the results across studies, possibly due to the variety of tests used and the complexity of the disorder. Therefore, it is important to consider factors such as cultural differences, medication use, and socioeconomic factors when interpreting the results, as these aspects can influence the study outcomes. Additionally, there are still gaps in understanding the alterations in executive functions in patients with OCD, requiring further research for a better comprehension of this relationship.

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Published

2024-06-21

How to Cite

de Fátima de Paiva Abreu, D., Leandro de Almeida, N., & Antonio dos Santos, N. (2024). Executive Functions’ Alterations In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review. Psicologia Argumento, 42(117). https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.42.117.AO15