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Huberman Lab

The Science & Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Jun 27, 2022
02:31:12

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Quick takeaways

  • OCD is a prevalent and debilitating condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
  • The cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit is a key neural pathway implicated in OCD, and dysfunction in this circuit leads to the generation of obsessions and compulsions.

Deep dives

Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). The obsessions are unwanted and distressing thoughts, images, or impulses that frequently enter a person's mind, while the compulsions are behaviors or acts performed to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions. OCD is different from Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), as OCPD primarily involves a sense of delayed gratification and a desire for perfection. OCD is an extremely common and profoundly debilitating condition, ranking as the seventh most disabling illness across all domains. The cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit has been identified as a key neural pathway involved in OCD, and dysfunction in this circuit leads to the generation of obsessions and compulsions. Understanding these underlying mechanisms is essential for developing effective treatments for OCD.

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