Obsessive compulsive disorder linked to brain activity

Fourteen volunteers without a family history of OCD, 14 people with OCD and 12 immediate relatives of these patients took the picture test. Later comparison of fMRI images of their brain activity throughout showed under-activation in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex and other brain areas in both the OCD patients and their family members.

Dr Chamberlain, who led the study, explains, "Impaired function in brain areas controlling flexible behaviour probably predisposes people to developing the compulsive rigid symptoms that are characteristic of OCD. This study shows that these brain changes run in families and represent a candidate vulnerability factor. The current diagnosis of OCD is subjective and improved understanding of the underlying causes of OCD could lead to more accurate diagnosis and improved clinical treatments.

"However, much work is still needed to identify the genes contributing to abnormal brain function in those at risk of OCD. We also need to investigate not only vulnerability factors, but also protective factors that account for why many people at genetic risk of the condition never go on to develop the symptoms."

**Dr Sam Chamberlain will be available for phone interviews on 17th July. Unfortunately he will only be reachable by email prior to 17 July.**

Notes to editors:

1. The article 'Orbitofrontal dysfunction in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and their unaffected relative' is scheduled for publication in Science on 18th July 2008.

2. This paper will be embargoed-- it cannot be published, broadcast, posted online, shared with anyone other than journalists, or otherwise placed in the public domain--until 2:00 pm U.S. Eastern Time Thursday, 17 JULY 2008.

3. Image available upon request.

4. This research was undertaken in collaboration with the MRC/Wellcome Trust Funded Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute (BCNI), University of Cambridge; and the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit.

5. The Medical Research Council supports the best scientific research to improve human health. Its work ranges from molecular level science to public health medicine and has led to pioneering discoveries in our understanding of the human body and the diseases which affect us all.

6. The Wellcome Trust is the largest charity in the UK. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending around £500 million each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The Wellcome Trust supports public debate about biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing. http://www.wellcome.ac.uk