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Brain scans reveal 'OCD risk'
The structure of the brain is different in people who suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), according to new research by scientists at the University of Cambridge.
The research, published in the latest edition of Brain journal, shows that individuals with OCD and their close family members have distinctive patterns in their brain structure.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results from OCD patients and their close relatives showed physiological difference in the brain, with decreased grey matter in regions important in suppressing responses and habits.
In a task designed to objectively measure repetitive behaviours, OCD patients and their close relatives were also found to have less ability to stop activities.
Lara Menzies, from Cambridge University's Brain Mapping Unit said: 'The current diagnosis of OCD available to psychiatrists is subjective and therefore knowledge of the underlying causes may lead to better diagnosis and ultimately improved clinical treatments.'
'However, we have a long way to go to identify the genes contributing to the distinctive brain structure found in OCD patients and their relatives,' she added. 'We also need to identify other contributing factors for OCD, to understand why close relatives that share similar brain structures don't always develop the disorder.'
Last week, researchers in the US published a study showing differences in the brain structure of migraine sufferers.
Category: Health
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