OCD brain circuit discovery could pave way for new treatments

New research has identified a previously unknown brain circuit involved in the process of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), potentially paving the way for new treatments that target specific brain regions. OCD is characterized by distressing, uncontrollable thoughts and repetitive behaviors, and current treatments have focused on psychotherapy and medications to alleviate symptoms.

The research, led by Joshua L. Plotkin, an associate professor at Stony Brook University, was published in the journal Neuron and involved a mouse model. By examining two brain areas—the amygdala, which processes emotionally important experiences like fear and anxiety, and the dorsolateral striatum (DLS), involved in habitual and automatic behaviors—a new connection was discovered between the two.

This previously unrecognized connection originates from a small number of amygdala neurons and can significantly influence the DLS. The researchers found that stimulating this amygdala-DLS connection enhances sensory-evoked behaviors and that its effects persist even after the stimulation has ended. In a mouse model of OCD, this circuit was found to be stronger, more active, and abnormally regulated compared to control mice.

By chronically inhibiting the amygdala in OCD mouse models, the researchers were able to prevent OCD-like behavior, suggesting this target could be useful in developing new treatments for the disorder. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of OCD and identify specific brain circuit dysfunctions, offering researchers a new avenue for developing more precise treatments for OCD.

The research was conducted in collaboration with various institutions, including Stony Brook University, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the University of Iowa, and was funded by the NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and National Institute of Mental Health.