Study Links Brain Signals and OCD
The neurological disorder known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterised by recurrent, intrusive thoughts or sensations (obsessions) or the impulse to do certain repetitive behaviours (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions are both common in some people.
More closely than ever before, scientists have been able to track brain activity associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). If these neurological signals can be discovered, it may be possible to alter them as well.
Even though there are numerous behavioural therapies and medications for OCD, it is believed that 25 to 40% of people with OCD do not see any long-lasting advantages from them. OCD can impact up to two out of every 100 individuals. The illness can cause anxiety and interfere with daily life by creating unwanted thoughts and compulsive conduct.
Study Links Brain Signals and OCD
In the most recent study at Brown University, five volunteers with severe OCD underwent both laboratory and real-world monitoring, with measurements of brain activity, as well as facial expressions, body movements, heart rates, and the severity of self-reported OCD symptoms, being recorded.
The researchers could identify correlations between behavioural activity and brain signals thanks to this collection of real-time data. Although the experiment’s sample size was tiny and additional research would be needed, it may have shown the way to a novel area of treatment.
Through the use of this technology, it was feasible to capture such a variety of behaviour and brain activity that may be used to distinguish between OCD symptoms and those that aren’t. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices, which use implanted electrodes to cause specific patterns of electrical stimulation in the brain, can also be used to simulate brain function. DBS has demonstrated some potential in the treatment of OCD, particularly in those who have not responded to conventional interventions.
Although the team could recognize brain patterns in the so-called cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical loop that may be connected to OCD, it’s still in the early stages and it’s unclear what these signals could mean or how they might be affected.
Future Research
According to the researchers, future studies would require more individuals and more data gathered over a more extended period. Daily exercise, for instance, would be a beneficial piece of evidence that wasn’t included in this particular study.
OCD is a complex illness that affects individuals differently in a variety of ways, therefore the best course of action may involve a personalised approach to treatment. This kind of research may also provide light on how OCD affects the brain and identify ways to lessen its negative consequences.
