[A general model of the limbic system and basal ganglia: applications to schizophrenia and compulsive behavior of the obsessive type].

The paper presents a model of the behavioural functions and information processing discharged jointly by the limbic system (especially, the hippocampal formation and amygdala) and the basal ganglia (both the dorsal and ventral striatal systems). In general terms, the limbic system plus basal ganglia act as a mechanism for the attainment of goals. The sensory aspects of this overall goal-direction function (recognition of goals and evaluation of the outcomes of action) are dealt with in the limbic system; the motor aspects (establishment and execution of motor programs), in the basal ganglia. The model is applied to an understanding of the neuropsychology of schizophrenia (in particular, positive psychotic symptoms) and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In both cases, emphasis is placed on the interaction between the limbic system and the basal ganglia.