4.6.2.2 Decision-Making Systems

• What neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in decision-making?

  Dopamine
• How does dopamine influence decision-making?

  Signals rewards and motivates behavior
• What are decision-making systems in the brain?

  Neural networks that help choose options
• How does the brain decide between studying or watching Netflix?

  • Prefrontal Cortex weighs benefits of studying
  • Anterior Cingulate Cortex detects conflict between responsibilities and desires
  • Basal Ganglia selects the historically satisfying activity
  • Dopamine reinforces the choice by associating it with pleasure
• How does the prefrontal cortex assist in decision-making?

  By weighing options before making choices
• What is the role of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex?

  Monitors outcomes and detects conflicts
• What is the overall function of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)?

  • Monitors planning vs. action
  • Detects errors and alerts the individual
  • Flags uncertainty to enhance attention
  • Manages focus on important tasks
  • Facilitates smooth task switching
• How can the basal ganglia be compared to a vending machine?

  It dispenses actions based on previous rewards
• How does the basal ganglia influence habit formation?

  Frequently chosen actions become easier to select
• What does the ACC monitor?

  Mismatch between planning and doing
• What happens when you make a mistake?

  The ACC lights up to alert you
• What does the ACC do when you use the wrong math formula?

  It recognizes the error and signals review
• What role does the ACC play in managing attention?

  It ensures focus on what's important
• How does the prefrontal cortex contribute to OCD symptoms?

  It gets stuck analyzing possible risks, leading to obsessions
• What role does dopamine play in decision making?

  It signals reward and motivates actions
• What role does the prefrontal cortex play in impulse control?

  It helps to stay on track by controlling impulses
• What happens when you choose something pleasurable, like chocolate?

  The basal ganglia releases dopamine
• How does the ACC help with uncertainty?

  It helps you pay extra attention
• What is disrupted in OCD?

  Decision-making systems
• Which brain area analyzes options and plans actions?

  Prefrontal Cortex
• How do the basal ganglia affect OCD symptoms?

  They create strong compulsions to reduce distress
• What role does the basal ganglia play in decision-making?

  It evaluates options and selects the most rewarding
• What metaphor is used to describe dopamine's role in behavior?

  Internal cheerleader
• How does the ACC facilitate task switching?

  It helps switch between different tasks smoothly
• What is the ultimate goal of dopamine's motivational role?

  To stay on track toward your goals
• What is the basal ganglia often referred to as?

  Brain's activity selector
• What is dopamine often referred to as in the brain?

  Motivational currency
• What is the role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in OCD according to Mataix-Cols et al. (2004)?

  Conflict monitoring
• In what way does the prefrontal cortex help with problem-solving?

  It analyzes information to find solutions
• How does prefrontal cortex dysfunction relate to OCD symptoms according to Chamberlain et al. (2005)?

  It leads to impaired cognitive flexibility and difficulty adapting actions
• How does planning a study schedule utilize the prefrontal cortex?

  It determines what, when, and how long to study
• What behavior is associated with impaired action selection in OCD according to Ahmari & Fogassi (2019)?

  Excessive checking
• What is the primary function of the prefrontal cortex?

  It handles high-level thinking and planning
• What did Ahmari & Fogassi (2019) propose about action selection in OCD?

  • Impaired action selection in the basal ganglia contributes to OCD symptoms
  • This involves excessive checking and repetitive rituals
• What did Graybiel & Rauch (2000) highlight about the basal ganglia in relation to OCD?

  • The basal ganglia play a role in habit formation
  • Dysfunction in this area leads to compulsive behaviors
  • Compulsive behaviors are attempts to alleviate anxiety
• What are the key functions of the basal ganglia?

  • Action selection: Choosing the best action
  • Habit formation: Developing automatic behaviors
• What is the connection between the basal ganglia and compulsive behaviors in OCD as discussed by Graybiel & Rauch (2000)?

  Dysfunction leads to compulsive behaviors to alleviate anxiety
• How does dopamine influence learning over time?

  It helps learn which actions are best
• Why is understanding the basal ganglia important?

  It shows how actions become routines influenced by rewards
• What neurotransmitter influences changes in OCD symptoms?

  Dopamine