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OCD

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·June 18, 2025·6 min read

New Genetic Link to OCD Found

Summary: In a groundbreaking study, researchers have linked rare “de novo” genetic mutations—copy number variants (CNVs)—to pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)....

Neuroscience

·June 7, 2025·6 min read

Symptom Provocation Boosts Brain Stimulation Effectiveness

A new meta-analysis suggests that provoking symptoms just before delivering repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve clinical outcomes for OCD and nicotine dependence. Researchers examined data from multiple studies and found that rTMS was nearly twice as effective when paired with targeted symptom provocation.

This shows the outline of a person and neurons.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 19, 2025·4 min read

Inflammation Triggers Repetitive Behaviors in ASD and OCD

New research reveals that chronic brain inflammation can directly lead to repetitive behaviors, often seen in conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In mice with a mutated NLRP3 gene, inflammation activated microglia to release IL-1β, overstimulating NMDA glutamate receptors responsible for excitatory brain signals.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 12, 2025·5 min read

Why OCD, Tics, and ADHD Keep You Up at Night

People with obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSDs), chronic tic disorders (CTDs), and ADHD often suffer from significant sleep disturbances, and a new review suggests that disruptions in the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) pathway may be the reason why. The review highlights how dopamine and GABA dysregulation in CSTC circuitry contributes to both poor sleep and the disorders themselves, suggesting a bidirectional and additive relationship.

This shows a model of a head and neurons.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 13, 2024·8 min read

Neural Biomarker for OCD Identified

Researchers discovered a neural activity pattern that can accurately predict and monitor the clinical status of OCD patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS). The study highlights how this biomarker can guide DBS therapy, improving treatment outcomes for those with severe, treatment-resistant OCD.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·March 4, 2024·4 min read

Astrocytes Play Critical Role in Regulating Behavior

Researchers made a groundbreaking discovery in identifying a unique group of astrocytes, located in the brain's central striatum, that play a crucial role in regulating behaviors linked to neuropsychiatric disorders. This distinct subset of astrocytes expresses the gene Crym, coding for μ-crystallin, a protein associated with various human diseases.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 18, 2024·6 min read

OCD Linked to Higher Mortality Risks

A new study highlights a concerning link between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and an increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes. The study, using data from over 60,000 people with OCD, shows an 82% higher overall mortality risk compared to those without the disorder.

This shows a person washing their hands.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 29, 2023·4 min read

Reshaping the OCD Brain: How Therapy Alters Neural Connectivity

A new study reveals that exposure and response prevention (EX/RP), a primary therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), effectively reshapes brain connectivity. This therapy enhances cognitive control by strengthening connections within key neural networks. Using advanced MRI techniques, researchers observed significant changes in the frontoparietal, cingulo-opercular, and default mode networks among OCD patients who underwent EX/RP compared to those who received stress management training.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 27, 2023·6 min read

Brain Chemical Imbalance Detected in OCD

Researchers discovered a neurochemical imbalance in the brains of patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, they found a disrupted balance between neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA in two specific regions of the frontal lobes.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 5, 2023·6 min read

Microglia’s Role in Controlling Anxiety and OCD

A new study reveals how microglia can regulate anxiety and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder (OCSD) behaviors. Traditionally overlooked in favor of neurons, specific microglia populations were found to both stimulate and suppress these behaviors, thus acting as both a "brake" and "accelerator".