Neuropsychological outcome in refractory obsessive–compulsive disorder treated with anterior capsulotomy including repeated surgery

AIM: Anterior capsulotomy (AC) is one of the last therapeutic options for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) refractory to conservative treatments. Several forms of cognitive dysfunction have been identified after assessment of neuropsychological outcomes in OCD patients; however, few studies focused on cognitive changes in OCD patients after surgery. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of AC on cognitive performance and mood status in patients with refractory OCD. METHODS: A total of 12 patients underwent bilateral AC between 2012 and 2019 at our institution. The patients (n = 12, female : male 5:7; mean age 39.7 years; duration ≥5 years) were assessed before and 6 months after intervention. The diagnosis of treatment‐refractory OCD was based on recommended criteria for surgical treatment. Patients were assessed using a neuropsychological battery and questionnaires focused on anxiety–depressive symptomatology. The Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale was administered as a measure of severity of OCD symptoms. RESULTS: We detected a significant decrease of OCD, and anxiety and depressive symptomatology assessed by Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory (P < 0.05) 6 months after AC in eight patients, and a partial decrease in four patients. Four patients underwent repeated AC with more pronounced improvement achieved after the first procedure. We did not detect decline in cognitive performance in any patients, but did find better visual memory performance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AC reduced OCD and anxiety–depressive symptoms, and did not appear to influence cognitive performance, even after repeated surgery.