What is the role of the subthalamic nucleus in obsessive–compulsive disorder? Elements and insights from deep brain stimulation studies

Abstract

The use of subthalamic deep brain stimulation for the treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is the consequence of two unexpected clinical observations. After we have described the clinical studies, we will attempt to provide an explanation for the sometimes spectacular effects observed, before discussing what these and related functional experiments bring to the understanding of OCD pathophysiological mechanisms and the role of the subthalamic nucleus.