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As a way of formulating a hypothesis as to possible neurobiological as well as psychological contributions to superego development we have used recent data that have emerged regarding the genesis of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and the impulsive expression of aggression. The neurobiological processes associated with complex cognitive processes, behavior, fantasies and their interrelationships as are seen in OCD are complex, polysynaptic, and almost certainly involve multiple transmitter systems. The psychological manifestations are variable, and highly idiosyncratic. They might manifest themselves by handwashing, fear of germs, superstitions, rituals, need to read the newspaper over and over, and perfectionism. For these reasons the emergence of complex behavioral patterns and thought processes in the past have been best understood using psychological rather than neurobiological models. On the other hand, evidence to be reviewed here does suggest that the activity of the brain serotonin (5-HT) system may serve as a marker for the emergence of OCD behavior or the impulsive expression of aggression.
In this article we review evidence regarding the role of neurobiological processes in the development of OCD and aggression, with a particular focus on the serotonin (5-HT) brain systems. After we review this evidence, we hypothesize a tentative psycho-biological model by which concepts of OCD and impulsivity may be used to develop a theory of superego formation.