High doses of drugs enhancing
levels of dopamine, induce
stereotyped behaviour of OCD
Lower levels of serotonin are
associated with OCD
Antidepressants increasing the
serotonin levels have proved effective in
treating OCD
Abnormal brain circuits
Several areas in the frontal
love have been thought to
be abnormal in those with
OCD.
Caudate nucleus normally supresses
signals from the orbitofrontal
cortex.
The OFC sends signals to the
thalamus about worrying
things, i.e. germs.
When the caudate nucleus
is damaged, it fails to
supress minor worry signal
and the thalamus is
alerted, sending signals
back to OFC and acting as a
worry circuit.
Supported by PET scans taken while
symptoms are active, i.e. holding a
dirty cloth, showing the OFC to be
active
Serotonin and dopamine are linked to
those areas of the frontal lobes and
serotonin is thought to play a key role
in the operations of the OFC.
Abnormal serotonin levels may
also cause areas to
malfunction.
Dopamine is linked too as it is
the main NT of the basal
ganglia and high levels of it
lead to over activity in this
region