A neurobiologia do TOC e sua implicações no neurodesenvolvimento do sujeito: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Introduction: This study presents an integrative review on the neurobiology of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), focusing on neurobiological alterations and their implications across different stages of human development. Objective: To present the scientific production from the last decade concerning the neurobiology of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and describe the impact of neurobiological components on the phases of human development. Additionally, the review aims to describe the contributions from cognitive neuroscience studies that help explain the etiology of the disorder. Method: This is an integrative literature review, based on systematic searches conducted in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases, using the descriptors "obsessive-compulsive disorder," "neurobiology," and "etiology" in both Portuguese and English. The inclusion criteria comprised open-access articles published between April 2014 and April 2024, in Portuguese or English, that addressed the research questions. After screening and critical analysis, 14 studies were selected for the final sample. Results: The findings show that OCD involves cognitive functions such as response inhibition, memory, and mental flexibility, as well as affecting psychosocial development, especially when onset occurs during childhood or adolescence. The study also explored the influence of environmental factors and early stressors in modulating symptom severity, reinforcing the need for early and individualized interventions. Conclusion: It is concluded that the integration of neuroscience, clinical practice, and human development is essential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of OCD.