Neural explanations of OCD

• What is the role of serotonin in the development of OCD

  ->serotonin is believed to help regulate mood

  ->PET scans have found relatively low levels of serotonin activity in the brains of OCD patients which may have been caused by the SERT gene
• What happens to neurotransmitters across the synaptic gap?

  They are chemically fired across the gap
• What occurs to neurotransmitters after they are released into the synapse?

  They are re-absorbed or broken down by enzymes
• How does the reuptake transporter function in OCD sufferers?

  It works more than normal, reabsorbing serotonin too soon
• What is the effect of increased reuptake of serotonin in OCD?

  Less serotonin is available in the synapse
• What is the consequence of less serotonin being taken up by receptor sites?

  It leads to low levels of serotonin in the brain
• How do SSRIs affect serotonin levels in OCD patients?

  They increase serotonin levels
• What does the involvement of serotonin suggest about OCD?

  Low serotonin affects mood and mental processes
• What may explain some cases of OCD according to the study material?

  A reduction in the functioning of the serotonin system
• What neurotransmitter is primarily discussed in relation to OCD?

  Serotonin
• What is the role of serotonin in mood-relevant information transmission?

  It is crucial for normal transmission
• What happens to mood and mental processes when serotonin levels are low?

  They are negatively affected
• What is the primary function of SSRIs in treating OCD?

  To increase serotonin levels
• What is the relationship between serotonin and OCD symptoms?

  Low serotonin levels correlate with symptoms
• How does the serotonin system function in the brain of OCD sufferers?

  It is thought to be abnormal
• What is the impact of serotonin on the brain's functioning?

  It affects mood and mental processes
• What brain structure is associated with OCD in the study material?

  Basal ganglia
• Which part of the brain is thought to be abnormal in people with OCD?

  Frontal lobes
• What is the role of the caudate nucleus in the basal ganglia?

  It suppresses signals from the orbitofrontal cortex
• What does the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) send signals to?

  Thalamus
• What type of information does the thalamus process?

  Information from our senses
• What happens when the caudate nucleus is damaged?

  It fails to suppress minor worry signals
• What creates a "worry circuit" in OCD?

  Thalamus sending signals back to the OFC
• What is the function of the orbitofrontal cortex?

  Converts sensory information into thoughts and actions
• How does the orbitofrontal cortex help in initiating activity?

  By receiving impulses to act
• What happens to the impulse to wash hands in a non-sufferer?

  It stops once the activity is done
• What did PET scans reveal about patients with OCD?

  Higher activity in the orbitofrontal cortex
• What might heightened activity in the orbitofrontal cortex lead to?

  Increased conversion of sensory information to actions
• What difficulty might those with OCD experience regarding impulses?

  Difficulty in switching off or ignoring impulses
• What do obsessive compulsions do for individuals with OCD?

  Reduce their anxiety
• What is the primary function of the orbitofrontal cortex?

  Convert sensory information into thoughts
• How does the behavior of a non-sufferer differ from that of someone with OCD regarding impulses?

  Non-sufferers stop behavior after impulse lessens