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Which Brain Region Is Believed to Play a Critical Role in OCD?

Which Brain Region Is Believed to Play a Critical Role in OCD?

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The mental condition called obsessive-compulsive disorder, or more as it is more often called “OCD” has been affecting millions worldwide. Many are bewildered by the reason why it is such a prevalent mental disorder, which begs the question of which brain region is believed to play a critical role in OCD. Perhaps, the main location of the OCD brain region can shed some light on how it works, its prevalence, and how it can be treated properly. Obviously, we’ll start with the basics first and then go about explaining the topic of what part of the brain causes OCD and its related questions.

Defining OCD

OCD, or as mentioned before, obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental condition that is recognizable through symptoms that relate to obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are essentially intrusive and unwanted thoughts that the affected individuals cannot control on their own and to stop them (which they think they can) they dwell in compulsions, which are ritualistic and repetitive behaviors or mental acts.

These obsessions tend to be:

  • The thought of hurting someone you hold dear accidentally
  • The thought of hurting someone you hold dear deliberately
  • Fear of contamination or getting affected by a contagious disease
  • Obsession with symmetry and excessive form craving of organizing things
  • Unwanted and intrusive thoughts related to sex, religion, or even something that is considered taboo in the affected individual’s culture.

Compulsions include:

  • Excessive cleaning and washing
  • Putting things in order and aligning everything in symmetry
  • Constant rechecking
  • Asking for reassurances from friends and families
  • Mental acts such as counting, praying, or reciting something to oneself

OCD can be a critical condition if it is not properly treated in a timely manner. It is a lifelong affliction and the only thing that can help other than treatment is self-education. One can start with finding answers to questions like which brain region is believed to play a critical role in OCD, how OCD affects the brain, or what part of the brain causes OCD.

Read More: Do You Ever Wonder That Your OCD Thoughts Are Not Real?

So, which brain region is believed to play a critical role in OCD?

The orbitofrontal cortex is the part of the brain that is believed to play a significant role in the development and maintenance of OCD. It is a region of the brain located in the front part of the brain, just above the eyes. The orbitofrontal cortex, along with the anterior cingulate cortex is part of the prefrontal cortex that is found in the frontal lobe of the brain. The orbitofrontal cortex is the area of the frontal lobe involved in learning and decision-making. Additionally, it plays an important role in processing sensory information and regulating emotional responses, directly tying it with the symptoms of OCD that most of the time come under the umbrella of emotional responses.

The orbitofrontal cortex is part of the regions or OCD part of the brain that along with the frontal lobe’s cortices is called the OCD circuit, which the research suggests is the dominant part of the brain that is associated with bringing OCD symptoms to life. When it comes to OCD brain activity, the orbitofrontal cortex is the same region that generally becomes hyperactive when OCD raging is at its peak and the time when symptoms are most evident. Other regions of the OCD circuit show heightened activity during peak OCD brain activity which indeed suggests that abnormalities in these regions are closely tied to symptoms of OCD. Research also suggests that areas responsible for stopping habit creation are underdeveloped in the brains of the people who are affected by OCD. Additionally, imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, can contribute to the development and maintenance of OCD symptoms.

Do the Abnormalities in the Brain Cause OCD

When it comes to the question of which brain region is believed to play a critical role in OCD, you already have the answer to that. But is there a correlation between the abnormalities found in the region and the causation of OCD? We know that these brain regions can become super active when OCD brain activity is present in something like the orbitofrontal cortex but do they actually cause OCD? The imaging studies do highlight the potential importance of brain dysfunction and the effects of OCD on the brain but there is no direct correlation between differences found in OCD symptoms such as obsessions and compulsions and the abnormalities that are found in the identified regions of the brain that are associated with OCD. This same effect also implies that these abnormalities found in the brain will not lead to the causation of OCD. Therefore, causation and abnormalities of an OCD brain are not directly related.

So What Does Cause OCD

There is no one answer to this question or questions like “how does ocd affect the brain?”,

“effects of OCD on the brain”, or “does ocd damage the brain.” The main causation comes from a range of factors, not just one reason. OCD is known to exist due to genetics, biological factors such as chemical imbalances, learned behaviors over time, environmental factors such as trauma, specific events that trigger OCD or even learned behavior that over time can change the hard wiring of the brain.

Read More: What’s The Difference Between A Mood Disorder And A Personality Disorder?

Treatment For OCD

Now that you know something about which brain region is believed to play a critical role in OCD, it is time to focus a little bit on the treatment of OCD. Treatment for OCD comes in the shape of cognitive behavior therapy CBT, which is a type of psychotherapy and medication or a combination of these two.

CBT such as Exposure Response Prevention is the most suitable for treating OCD, which a goal-based short-term “talk” therapy where a mental health professional helps a patient focus on removing the power of certain triggers that lead to OCD symptoms by exposing the patient to situations that trigger OCD but in a safe space and providing counseling. The most effective for OCD is a type of drug called a Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SRI), which is traditionally used as an antidepressant, but can also be used to treat OCD.

Conclusion

We are now at the end and hopefully understand the question of which brain region is believed to play a critical role in OCD and everything related to it. For treatment of OCD, you can refer to Orange Coast Psychiatry. You also refer to use for other ailments like depression, anxiety, or social anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the head of the caudate nucleus

 The frontal lobe, which houses the prefrontal cortex that houses the OCD circuit

Yes! The brain structure of an OCD brain does differ from what is found in normal brains.

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Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.

Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.

Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.

Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

 

Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.

Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.

Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.

Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.

Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

PMHNP-BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry

Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.

With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.

A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.

Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.

Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.
“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”
Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.
Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.