New research suggests that a shift in brain activity may be linked to improvement in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
OCD is a mental health disorder that is characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. People with OCD often experience anxiety and distress as a result of their symptoms.
In a new study, researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity in people with OCD before and after treatment with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
CBT is a type of therapy that helps people with OCD to identify and change their negative thoughts and behaviors.
The researchers found that after CBT, people with OCD showed a decrease in activity in the striatum, a brain region that is involved in habit formation and reward processing.
They also found an increase in activity in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that is involved in decision-making and impulse control.
These findings suggest that CBT may help people with OCD to break the cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors by reducing activity in the striatum and increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex.
Here are some of the key findings of the study:
- CBT was found to be effective in reducing OCD symptoms.
- CBT led to a decrease in activity in the striatum and an increase in activity in the prefrontal cortex.
- These findings suggest that CBT may help people with OCD to break the cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors.
The study was published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.
Kind regards J. Greer.
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