neural explanation

• neurotransmitters and brain structures have been implicated in the development of OCD
• low serotonin in synapse causes problems with mood regulation and may increase anxiety, High Dopamine in synapse causes problems with attention regulation and may explain hyper vigilance, an overactive prefrontal cortex causes an increase in primitive instincts and may explain repetitive, anxiety reducing behaviours which are connected to survival. EG compulsive hand washing as a need to be clean or compulsive checking of locks or light switches as a need to be safe from intruders or electrical fires,
• the two brain regions implicated in OCD are the orbitofrontal cortex and basal ganglia,
• orbitofrontal cortex- brain structures in OCD- region which converts sensory information into thoughts and actions.