Disorders Library
intermediateanxietydisorderclinical

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Hyperactivity in cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits. Serotonin system involvement. Basal ganglia dysfunction.

CSTC circuits

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OCD features intrusive obsessions and compulsive rituals driven by cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit hyperactivity. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors and exposure-response prevention are first-line treatments. Orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate hyperactivity correlate with error monitoring dysfunction. Deep brain stimulation targeting CSTC nodes helps treatment-resistant cases.

Symptoms

Obsessive thoughtsCompulsive behaviorsAnxietyRitualistic behaviorIntrusive images

Neurology

Hyperactivity in cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits. Serotonin system involvement. Basal ganglia dysfunction.

Treatments

SSRIsExposure and response preventionDeep brain stimulationCognitive therapy

Gallery

OCD neuroimaging

OCD neuroimaging

Orbitofrontal cortex

Orbitofrontal cortex

Serotonergic synapse

Serotonergic synapse

Videos

2-Minute Neuroscience: Basal Ganglia

Neuroscientifically Challenged

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2-Minute Neuroscience: Prefrontal Cortex

Neuroscientifically Challenged

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