How does the basal ganglia contribute to OCD?

The basal ganglia contributes to OCD by regulating repetitive behaviours and inhibiting unwanted actions.

The basal ganglia is a group of structures located deep in the brain that play a crucial role in regulating movement, emotions and cognition. It is responsible for initiating and inhibiting actions by communicating with other parts of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex. In OCD, the basal ganglia is thought to be involved in the regulation of repetitive behaviours and inhibiting unwanted actions.

Research has shown that individuals with OCD have increased activity in the basal ganglia, particularly in the caudate nucleus and putamen. These areas are responsible for initiating and inhibiting actions, and when they are overactive, they can lead to repetitive behaviours and unwanted actions. This hyperactivity may be due to a malfunction in the communication between the basal ganglia and the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and inhibiting unwanted actions.

Furthermore, studies have shown that individuals with OCD have reduced grey matter volume in the basal ganglia, suggesting that the structure may be compromised in individuals with the disorder. This reduction in grey matter volume may contribute to the hyperactivity in the basal ganglia and the resulting repetitive behaviours and unwanted actions.

Overall, the basal ganglia plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of OCD. It regulates repetitive behaviours and inhibits unwanted actions, and when it is compromised, it can lead to the symptoms of the disorder.