ADULT OCD NEUROIMAGING

Current biological theories propose that the symptoms of OCD are accompanied by abnormal activity in certain areas of the brain: specifically, the orbitofrontal cortex and the head of the caudate nucleus. These areas are of particular interest since they are involved in the acquisition of new habits and the management of emotional responses. A number of studies have found that changes in the functioning of these brain regions accompany successful treatment of OCD with serotonergic medication and with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Our study is investigating two questions related to the issue of brain functioning in OCD.

First, we will examine the differences in brain activity between individuals with and without OCD using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), a relatively new technology that is highly sensitive in detecting brain activity and is safer than previously used imagining techniques. Second, we will examine whether successful treatment with CBT is associated with the normalization of brain activity. By studying the affected brain regions before and after CBT, we will gain important information about how this kind of psychosocial intervention impacts brain function. Additionally, it will help us to better understand how the observed differences in brain function between people with and without OCD are associated with symptom severity.

This study is supported by a grant from the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation.