Brain Structures Associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by absurd, recurrent and uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions), which are followed by persistent urges to perform certain stereotyped actions (compulsions). The repetitive actions performed by OCD patients serve to neutralize the anxiety precipitated by obsessions. Most of the patients suffering from OCD realize the irrational nature of their thoughts and rituals but feel hopeless and helpless in controlling them. The probable causes of OCD include heredity, brain damage due to accidents/infection, abnormal brain glucose metabolism and serotonergic dysfunction. The brain regions impaired in OCD include basal ganglia, orbito-frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, amygdala, thalamus and brainstem. The repetitive rituals (compulsions) and aggressive behavior, which is predominant in OCD patients is probably due to serotonin depletion. Entire brain functioning is disturbed in patients suffering from OCD, thereby producing devastating effects at the work-place as well as at homes of the patients.