Brain Imaging Studies for OCD

Positron emission tomography (PET) has displayed increased activity (i.e. metabolism and blood flow) in the frontal lobes, the basal ganglia (especially the caudate nucleus), and the cingulum of OCD patients. Pharmacological and behavioral treatments reportedly reverse those abnormalities. The data from functional imaging studies are consistent with the data from structural brain-imaging studies. Both computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging studies have found decreased sizes of caudates bilaterally. Both functional and structural imaging procedures are consistent with the observation that neurological procedures involving the cingulum are sometimes effective in the treatment of OCD patients. Overall, the brain imaging research suggests a role for the prefrontal cortex-basal ganglia thalamic circuitry. Dysfunction of these circuits can be explored by neuropsychological testing and evoked potentials. A recent study of OCD patients showed that they are slower in performing tasks involving frontocortical systems, suggesting alterations at this level. An evoked potential study showed enhanced processing negativity in the frontal cortex consistent with prefrontal hyperactivity shown in brain imaging studies.

1. Risperidone: Discussion, Patent and Formulation
Risperidone: Discussion, Patent and Formulation Risperidone in small doses-one to two mg twice a day-was found in one doubleblind and three open studies [...]

2. Depression and Suicide Closely Related
Depression and Suicide are Closely Related Depression has created a lot of problems for the people in this world. The icy jaws of depression have taken many innocents in [...]

3. Treatment for Specific Phobias
Treatment for Specific Phobias Surveys have shown time and time again that only a small minority of people with specific phobias ever seek professional help. Meanwhile, the prospects for [...]

4. Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Description
Description of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Most of the health problems that people face today are stress related. You live a life of hustle and bustle, hurry and worry. No [...]

Anxiety Disorders Panic Disorder Specific Phobias Social Phobias Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Anxiety Basics More Articles Depression Help

About Us | Contact Us | Link to Us