[Nosological classifications of obsessive-compulsive disorder].

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (O.C.D.) has become of central interest to researchers. Conflicting data in neurobiological studies and the diversity of the responses to behavioral and pharmacological treatments, have raised the question of the homogeneity of O.C.D. Is O.C.D. an heterogeneous diagnosis? Is it one or several disorders? if so, how can it be divided into homogeneous subgroups? What is the meaning of psychiatric comorbidity with regard to a neuropharmacological approach of O.C.D.? Has O.C.D. a large spectrum, which includes other disorders like Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, trichotillomania, paraphilia, compulsive gambling and other impulse control disorders? Many classifications are established within O.C.D. in an attempt to delineate similarities and differences among clinical manifestations and to develop more adequate and effective treatments. Based on recent literature data and on the experience we have accumulated in assessing and treating people presenting O.C.D., we propose a new clinical classification of this disorder.