Health
QIMR Berghofer Queensland researchers discover possible cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder manifests itself in many ways.
Key Point:
- 2% of Australians have obsessive-compulsive disorder
- This study found that OCD can be caused by differences in how areas of the brain communicate
- Researchers say the findings could lead to new treatments
For Brisbane business consultant and author Peter Bell, handwashing is almost constant and debilitating.
“I think a lot about germs and life-threatening diseases,” Bell said.
“It shows up in the urge to wash your hands.
“Like any mental illness, it has had a huge impact on my life. It’s a bona fide brain illness.”
Mr Bell is one of about 2% of the Australian population experiencing the disorder commonly known as OCD, characterized by repetitive and intrusive thoughts.
Many people with this condition spend a great deal of time doing repetitive actions and behaviors to relieve their anxiety.
Found a potential cause
The exact cause of OCD is unknown, and treatments and cures are limited.
Researchers at QIMR Berghofer are trying to change that.
A new study looking at differences in MRI brain images in healthy volunteers and OCD patients found a possible cause.
Researchers have found changes in how different brain regions communicate.
Lead investigator Dr. Sebastian Nayes said the results confirmed that the disorder likely arises from a “complex imbalance” affecting “signaling pathways deep in the brain.” .
“OCD participants were shown to have imbalances affecting different pathways and areas of the brain associated with emotion regulation and reward,” Dr. Naze said.
“This imbalance is believed to be a major contributor and potential cause of OCD symptoms.”
“While we’re not the first researchers to discover it…it does provide some important insight into what causes the disease and how these brain changes can be modified to reduce OCD symptoms. It gives you a clue.
“Absolute Game Changer”
Luca Cocchi, a senior researcher at QIMR Berghofer, called the finding significant and said it would “lead the development” of more targeted and effective treatments.
“These findings are meaningful because they replicate previous results … and allow us to develop novel interventions that target this dysfunction in a precise and individualized manner … and symptoms. ,” Dr. Cocchi said.
“Current drug interventions lack specificity and only significantly reduce symptoms in some patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.”
Researchers will use the findings in a clinical trial of brain stimulation therapy for OCD later this year.
“This allows us to specifically target the structure and patterns of connectivity between different regions to restore or bring about healthy levels of communication,” said Dr. Cocchi.
“Brain stimulation therapy has proven successful in treating depression, so we hope it may be helpful in cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder.”
“It doesn’t cure the disease, but it may reduce the symptoms to the point where you can live a relatively normal life,” he said.
Bell said the results of the study were “a huge relief.”
“For anyone who has spent their lives blaming themselves for obsessive-compulsive disorder, this is an absolute game-changer,” Bell said.
“To be able to confirm that it’s actually a function of the brain and a chemical imbalance…it’s absolutely a huge relief.”
Cocchi said researchers also hope the study will help reduce the stigma surrounding obsessive-compulsive disorder.
“The stigma is significant and it is reassuring to know that there is a neurological basis for their behavior. [people with OCD],” He said.
“I think there is hope. Of course science takes time, but I think we are making good progress.”
|
Sources 2/ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-18/ocd-research-queensland-qimr-berghofer/102231932 The mention sources can contact us to remove/changing this article |
What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos
to request, modification Contact us at Here or [email protected]
 |
 |
 |
