Global scientific trends on neuroimaging in obsessive-compulsive disorder in the early twenty-first century: a bibliometric analysis and visualization analysis.

OBJECTIVE

This bibliometric analysis aims to delineate the evolution, current trends, and future directions in neuroimaging research on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) from 2000 to 2024. By synthesizing global research output, collaboration networks, and technological advancements, we seek to highlight knowledge gaps and propose strategies to enhance the equity, reproducibility, and translational impact of OCD neuroimaging studies.

METHODS

Data were sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection, spanning January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2024. A structured search strategy identified 2,000 eligible articles and reviews. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Excel to examine publication trends, geographic and institutional collaborations, keyword co-occurrence, citation patterns, and journal influence.

RESULTS

OCD neuroimaging research has shown sustained growth, with a shift from metabolic studies to network neuroscience, driven by advances in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and artificial intelligence (AI). High-income countries dominated research output, with the United States contributing 36.5% of publications. However, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain underrepresented. Keyword analysis revealed emerging themes such as transdiagnostic biomarkers and neuromodulation therapies. High-impact journals like Biological Psychiatry and American Journal of Psychiatry dominated citations, while specialized journals struggled with visibility. Methodological heterogeneity and limited data sharing posed significant challenges to reproducibility.

CONCLUSION

This bibliometric analysis maps the transformation of OCD neuroimaging into a central pillar of translational psychiatry, revealing sustained growth, a paradigm shift toward network-based methods, and persistent geographical disparities. These documented trends collectively highlight that advancing equitable and reproducible research requires prioritized global collaboration and the adoption of open science frameworks. Therefore, addressing these specific gaps is crucial for developing neuroimaging-informed biomarkers and interventions with broad clinical applicability.