Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) exists on the impulsive-compulsive spectrum disorder because symptoms present are due to poorly regulated behaviors based on improper neurocircuitry functioning. Conditions causing impulsivity and compulsivity can share similarities of disinhibition on behavioral tendencies and appear to both have inhibitory impairments in the frontostriatal systems. The findings of the current literature demonstrate abnormalities in the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical circuit, including altered activity within the orbitofrontal cortex and striatum, resulting in unwanted intrusive thoughts and excessive repetitive behaviors (Zhang et al., 2024). Clinically and personally, I find it interesting how ADHD and OCD overlap. Executive dysfunction and dopamine dysregulation presented in patients with ADHD could occur with or without the development of compulsive behaviors. Understanding how these symptoms present in a patient can be confusing when receiving a patient's history. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the signs of each disorder. Dysfunction of neurotransmitters like serotonin provides evidence that OCD can be positioned on the impulsive-compulsive spectrum. Serotonin dysregulation can alter emotional processing, behavioral flexibility, and error detection (Pastre et al., 2025). This can promote obsessive thought patterns and compulsive behaviors by continuing this inadequate feedback loop. Serotonin dysregulation may overlap with dopamine pathways responsible for impulsivity and seeking reward behavior. This may be why some patients experience symptoms of both OCD and impulsive disorders instead of one specific disorder. Evidence-based first-line treatment for OCD includes Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs can include medications like fluoxetine or sertraline. These medications help to increase serotonin levels and were found to normalize activity within the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical circuit (CSTC). This provides a reduction in obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors (Elsouri et al., 2024). Current literature discusses how medication alone is not the only treatment that should be considered when treating patients with OCD. When combined with psychotherapy, pharmacological treatments have shown to increase overall functioning in daily life and reduce symptoms. Thinking of OCD on a spectrum allows me to understand how neurobiology works but also how to approach each patient differently to provide better care long-term.