The brains of people with OCD display some different activity than the brains of non-OCD individuals, and there are distinct physical features in the brains of those with OCD that have been linked to OCD symptoms.
It is also true that personal experiences and lifestyle habits affect OCD symptoms, and the symptoms can be relieved without altering the brain. Still, some theories about the cause of OCD focus on brain differences.
Six Brain Differences Related to OCD
1. The Gray Stuff. People with OCD and those with other anxiety disorders show distinct differences in their brain’s gray matter. The gray matter, composed of brain cells, neurons, and capillaries that transmit chemical signals, is involved with speech, emotion, memory, muscle control, and sensory perception.
Individuals diagnosed with OCD have iincreased gray matter between their caudate nuclei and their bilateral lenticular nuclei, and less of the gray stuff in certain other areas (e.g., anterior cingulate gyrus, bilateral dorsal medial frontal gyrus).
2. Too Little Serotonin. The brain’s neurotransmitter serotonin is necessary for chemical messages to travel between neurons. Insufficient serotonin causes mood changes and raises stress levels.
People with OCD have reduced serotonin production and frequently have an increase of receptors for stress related hormones as well. This is why antidepressants that raise the brain’s serotonin levels are prescribed for OCD patients.
3. The Family Tree. Individuals who develop OCD early in life often have one or both parents with the symptoms, suggesting there is a hereditary component to OCD development.
Some research supports this idea by correlating the mutation of a serotonin transporter gene, hSERT, to the development of OCD symptoms. A mutation in this gene could be related to the lower levels of serotonin in those with OCD.
4. Autoimmune Response. Our body’s response to a streptococcal (“strep”) infection, or other types of infection, may be responsible for childhood OCD onset, or eventual adult onset. Certain proteins manufactured by the body to fight off infections are the suspected troublemakers, but why this happens is little understood.
5. Problem in the Striatum. The brain area that allows us to plan and coordinate our movements is called the striatum. When mice have striatal abnormalities they demonstrate OCD-like behaviors such as compulsive or excessive grooming. It is believed that striatal abnormalities can also cause compulsive behaviors in humans.
6. Evolution Effect. Some evolutionary psychologists theorize that OCD-like behaviors such as sensitivity to change, or compulsive cleanliness might have helped early humans survive. So today, people who inherit an overabundance of these evolved brain traits may develop OCD—a disorder that locks people into non-evolving routines.
Our Adaptable Mind
Though there may be structural and genetic causes behind OCD, the mind can learn to manage symptoms of anxiety to provide relief. Most people with OCD find symptom reduction though healthy lifestyle choices, therapy (usually cognitive-behavioral therapy), and/or medications.
Source: Calm Clinic
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