neural OCD explanation

• Neural explanations

  Focus on what is happening in the brain
• Factors that can influence neural explanations

  • Genetics
  • Brain damage
  • Infection
  • Environment
• Neurotransmitters

  Transmit information (messages) from one neuron to another
• Neurotransmitters linked to OCD

  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine
• Dopamine

  High levels linked to OCD, involved in experiencing motivation, rewards and compulsions
• Serotonin


  Low levels linked to OCD, regulates mood, anxiety, and memory
• Antidepressant drugs which increase serotonin have been found to reduce symptoms of OCD
• Brain area implicated in OCD

  • Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)
  • Sends signals to thalamus about worrying things
  • Basal ganglia (caudate nucleus) damage fails to stop minor worry signals
• Brain circuit activation in OCD

  1. Impulses brought to attention

  2. Causes performance of behaviour to address impulse

  3. Difficulty stopping/ignoring impulses
• PET scans show heightened activity in the OFC when OCD sufferers have active symptoms