Gyula Demeter

Contents
Contents…………………………………………………………………………………….…..i
Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………...……............iii
Glossary of abbreviations…………………………………………………………..….……...iv
Abstract………………………………………………………………………………….…....vii
Kivonat…………………………………………………………………………………..…..viii
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………..……….1
Chapter 1. Overview of Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) - definition and main
symptoms……………………………………………………………………………………....3
Chapter 2. The study of executive functions in OCD…………………………………….......7
2.1. The concept of executive functions………………………………………………….…....7
2.2. Theories and measurement of executive functions………………………………….…….9
2.3. Impairment of executive functions in OCD……………………………………….……..14
Chapter 3. The study of memory functions in OCD………..…………………………….....25
3.1. Short term verbal and visual memory……………………………………………….…...25
3.2. Prospective memory (PM)…………………………………………………………….…27
3.2.1. Theories of PM – monitoring as a key component………………………………….....29
3.2.2. Main cortical structures and neuronal networks involved in PM – connections with
OCD………………………………………………………………………………………….32
3.2.3. Studying PM in OCD………………………………………………………………….35
3.2.4. A possible PM model of OCD………………………………………………………...37
3.3. The role of inhibition in selective retrieval……………………………………………...39
Chapter 4. Possible neuropsychological models of OCD………………………………….. 42
4.1. Hypothesized neuropsychological model of OCD………………………………………42
4.2. The failures of cognitive and behavioral inhibition processes…………………………..43
4.3. Current neurobiological model of OCD – beyond cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical
pathways…………………………………………………………………………………… ..45
Chapter 5. Main objectives and thesis points……………………………………………… .48
5.1. Main goals……………………………………………………………………………… .49
5.2. Thesis points……………………………………………………………………………..49
Chapter 6. Studies…………………………………………………………………………. ..51
6.1. Study 1: Impaired executive functions in OCD……………………………………… …51
6.2. Study 2: Impaired PM functions in OCD……………………………………………… ..71
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