Yes. OCD-ers brains are different in both structure and neurotransmitters. PET scans have repeatedly shown that OCD-ers brains have overactivity in parts of the brain called the basal ganglia and the orbitofrontal cortex (located behind the eyes). We also have abnormalities in our prefrontal cortex, an area that provides reasoning and logical thinking, which is why, when we're having an obsession, we can't just simply say, "This is stupid. Why am I even thinking that." This only comes
after the obsession and compulsion are over. The biggest part of OCD is the basal ganglia, an area deep in the brain responsible for motor movements/coordination and filtering of sensory information. It seems that our basal ganglias can't get rid of the unimportant thoughts that everyone has, and thus, we get stuck with obsessions and other bizarre thoughts. As for neurotransmitters, chemical messengers in the nervous system, our main problem is in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has many functions, especially mood. OCD-ers have low serotonin levels, as do people with depression, which is why the class of anti-depressants called SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), such as Zoloft and Prozac, are often used to treat OCD. Low serotonin may be the reason why many OCD-ers often become depressed, too, and it's been shown that low serotonin does indeed lead to obsessive thinking. People who have recently fallen in love literally can't think about anything else but their significant other because their serotonin levels decrease. Any other questions?
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