Neural explanations for OCD

• The genes associated with OCD are likely to affect the levels of key neurotransmitters as well as structures of the brain
• One explanation for OCD concerns the role of serotonin, believed to help regulate mood
• What happens if a person has low levels of serotonin?

  Normal transmission of mood-relevant information doesn't take place and a person may experience low moods
• Some cases of OCD may be explained by a reduction in the functioning of the serotonin system in the brain
• Some cases of OCD are associated with impaired decision making
• What is impaired decision-making associated with?

  Abnormal functioning of the lateral of the frontal lobes of the brain
• What are the frontal lobes responsible for?

  Logical thinking and making decisions
• What area of the brain is there evidence to suggest functions abnormally in OCD?

  The left parahippocampal gyrus
• What is the left parahippocampal gyrus associated with?

  Processing unpleasant emotions
• Regions of the brain responsible in OCD

  A) Parahippocampal gyrus

  B) Lateral frontal lobes