The OCD Brain
Understanding The OCD Brain
What Happens Inside 'The OCD Brain'?
Ever wondered what really goes on inside 'The OCD Brain'? Curious about the science behind it? What if your loved ones could understand 'The OCD Brain'? Could this lead to greater compassion and support? I think so! We’ll explore these questions in today’s episode.
The Challenges of Diagnosis
One study found that OCD is missed in 70% of patients. It takes an average of 14-17 years for someone with OCD to be correctly diagnosed and find appropriate treatment. Not getting the right treatment can lead to prolonged suffering.
A Simplistic Overview of OCD in the Brain
We’re going to discuss how the brain works when you have OCD. Different parts of the brain may not communicate effectively. While a non-OCD brain can complete a task, like flipping a light switch and feeling satisfied, an OCD brain often feels that the task is incomplete.
Our brains are excellent at creating narratives to keep us safe and help us understand the world. It’s important to remember that it’s not your fault if you have OCD; you could be experiencing the byproduct of your brain’s reduced ability to shift attention.
Cognitive Errors in OCD
Individuals with OCD often experience cognitive errors, including:
Heightened Responsibility: Feeling a distinct ability or responsibility to prevent negative outcomes.
Overemphasis on Thought: Believing that merely thinking about an event increases the likelihood of it occurring.
Controlling Thoughts: The belief that full control of one’s thoughts is attainable and essential.
Overestimation of Threat: Thinking that negative outcomes are highly likely and could have disastrous consequences.
Perfectionism: The need for actions to be done exactly "the right way" and intolerance towards mistakes.
Intolerance of Uncertainty: The need for complete reassurance that negative events will not happen.
The Fight or Flight Response
Understanding the fight or flight response is crucial, as it plays a significant role in OCD. This physiological reaction occurs in response to perceived threats, preparing the body to confront or flee from danger. Here’s a breakdown of the response:
Perception of Threat: The amygdala perceives a threat, triggering a rapid response.
Activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System: The body releases neurotransmitters like adrenaline and norepinephrine.
Increased Heart Rate: Blood pumps faster to vital organs and muscles.
Dilation of Pupils: Enhances visual perception to assess potential threats.
Bronchodilation: Improves airflow to increase oxygen intake.
Mobilization of Glucose: Provides extra energy for physical exertion.
Inhibition of Non-Essential Functions: Processes like digestion are temporarily inhibited.
Increased Blood Flow to Muscles: Redirects blood to muscles, preparing the body for action.
While the fight or flight response is adaptive for survival, chronic activation due to ongoing stress can harm long-term health.
Subjective Units of Distress (SUDS)
The Subjective Units of Distress (SUDS) scale is a self-report measure used in therapy to assess the intensity of distress in response to specific situations or thoughts. It typically ranges from 0 to 10, with higher numbers indicating greater distress. Here’s a general interpretation of SUDS ratings:
0-1: Minimal or no distress.
2-3: Mild distress.
4-5: Moderate distress.
6-7: Significant distress.
8-10: Severe distress.
The SUDS scale helps therapists monitor progress and tailor treatment plans, especially in exposure therapy.
Brain Functions Relevant to OCD
The Frontal Lobe and Prefrontal Cortex
The frontal lobe, located behind your forehead, includes the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for higher cognitive functions such as:
Executive Functions: Planning, organizing, and problem-solving.
Working Memory: Temporary storage and manipulation of information.
Decision-Making: Assessing potential outcomes and making informed choices.
Inhibitory Control: Suppressing inappropriate responses.
Emotional Regulation: Modulating emotional reactions.
Social Behavior: Navigating social interactions.
The Role of the Amygdala
The amygdala, an almond-shaped structure in the temporal lobe, plays a critical role in processing emotions and forming emotional memories. Its involvement in fear conditioning may contribute to obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Attention Training Techniques
Attention training improves focus and cognitive skills. Here are some common methods:
Mindfulness Meditation: Cultivating awareness and reducing mind-wandering.
Cognitive Training Programs: Computerized tasks designed to enhance attention.
Brain Games: Puzzles and activities that challenge focus.
Attention-Building Exercises: Simple tasks to improve concentration.
Biofeedback Training: Monitoring physiological responses for improved focus.
Yoga: Integrating physical movement with mindfulness.
Neuroplasticity: The Brain's Ability to Adapt
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections throughout life. It enables learning new skills, recovering from injuries, and adapting to changes. Understanding neuroplasticity has influenced therapeutic approaches, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning for brain health.
Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD)
ROCD is a subtype of OCD that focuses on persistent doubts about romantic relationships. Individuals may experience intrusive thoughts regarding their feelings or partner’s suitability, leading to distress and compulsive behaviors. Treatment approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure-response prevention, aim to help individuals manage these thoughts and develop healthier perspectives on love and relationships.
For more research and insights, visit my website at valuedriventherapy.com and check out the blog section. While you’re there, sign up for my email newsletter for updates and resources.
Check out attention training videos like this one.
References:
1. Suicide Risk in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Exploration of Risk Factors: A Systematic Review
3. What Part of the Brain Deals With Anxiety? What Can Brains Affected by Anxiety Tell us?
4. Obsessive‐compulsive disorder: Etiology, neuropathology, and cognitive dysfunction
