Researchers made a groundbreaking discovery in identifying a unique group of astrocytes, located in the brain's central striatum, that play a crucial role in regulating behaviors linked to neuropsychiatric disorders. This distinct subset of astrocytes expresses the gene Crym, coding for μ-crystallin, a protein associated with various human diseases ..read more

A new study highlights a concerning link between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and an increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes. The study, using data from over 60,000 people with OCD, shows an 82% higher overall mortality risk compared to those without the disorder ..read more

A new study reveals that exposure and response prevention (EX/RP), a primary therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), effectively reshapes brain connectivity. This therapy enhances cognitive control by strengthening connections within key neural networks. Using advanced MRI techniques, researchers observed significant changes in the frontoparietal, cingulo-opercular, and default mode networks among OCD patients who underwent EX/RP compared to those who received stress management training ..read more

Researchers discovered a neurochemical imbalance in the brains of patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, they found a disrupted balance between neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA in two specific regions of the frontal lobes ..read more

A new study reveals how microglia can regulate anxiety and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder (OCSD) behaviors. Traditionally overlooked in favor of neurons, specific microglia populations were found to both stimulate and suppress these behaviors, thus acting as both a "brake" and "accelerator ..read more

The speed of habit formation differs according to the behavior in question and several other factors ..read more

A newly discovered cellular mechanism that involves astrocytes, as well as neurons, appears to be involved in repetitive behaviors and OCD ..read more

When the reward is less than expected, people with OCD exhibit lower-than-normal learning rates. Conversely, those with gambling addictions exhibit boosted and blunted patterns of learning when the rewards are higher and lower than expected ..read more

Memantine, a drug commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, reduces symptoms for adults with hair-pulling and skin-picking disorders ..read more

Investigating four pre-existing, publically available psychological and neurological data sets, researchers identify a network of brain areas that underlie psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia ..read more