OCD

OCD Treatment with Antidepressants (SSRIs) Alters Brain Structure & Functions (2024 Study)

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Antidepressant treatment in OCD is linked to structural and functional brain changes, particularly in corticosubcortical areas, but these findings need further validation in larger, more homogeneous samples. Highlights: Antidepressant Use: Antidepressants, especially SSRIs, are a primary treatment for OCD, resulting in significant brain changes. Brain Structure Changes: Studies show volume alterations in the thalamus, amygdala, …

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Newest OCD Treatments: Cutting Edge Advancements (2023)

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and debilitating mental health condition characterized by obsessive, anxiety-provoking thoughts and compulsive rituals aimed at reducing anxiety. Affecting 1-3% of adults worldwide, OCD often begins in childhood and impairs functioning across life domains. Advances are being made on multiple fronts to better understand and treat this complex disorder. Key …

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TDCS for Trichotillomania: Brain Stimulation Shows Promise for Hair Pulling Disorder in 25-Year-Old Female

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A new case study provides initial evidence that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may be an effective treatment option for trichotillomania, also known as hair pulling disorder. The study tested an intensified, repeated tDCS protocol targeting the supplementary motor area and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a 25-year-old woman with trichotillomania. After 16 sessions over 20 …

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Autoantibodies & OCD Link: Targeting the Immune System

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex neuropsychiatric illness impacting approximately 2% of the global population. The disorder is characterized by intrusive, irrational thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that patients feel driven to perform. OCD typically follows a chronic course and is associated with significant impairment and reduced quality of life. While effective therapies like …

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Neuromodulation for OCD: Invasive & Non-Invasive Techniques (TMS, TDCS, DBS)

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a challenging psychiatric illness affecting 2% of the population. While some patients respond to therapy and medications, others continue to suffer from severe, treatment-resistant symptoms. Exciting new research shows that directly modulating brain activity through neuromodulation techniques can provide relief for these patients. Key Facts: OCD involves dysfunction in brain networks …

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New MRI-Guided Ultrasound Ablative Surgery for Treatment-Resistant OCD

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and often debilitating mental illness characterized by intrusive, irrational thoughts and repetitive behaviors. For patients with severe, treatment-resistant OCD, surgical ablation of problematic brain regions may provide lasting relief when other therapies have failed. A novel technique called magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is emerging as a promising …

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Deep Brain Stimulation for OCD: Long-Term Effects & Outcomes

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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of a brain region called the ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) may provide long-term relief for people with severe, treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), according to a new retrospective study. Key findings: 6 out of 9 people with severe OCD achieved remission after DBS surgery It took an average of 14 months for …

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