CNS Spectrums: Neurobiology of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Serotonin and Beyond
Neurobiology of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Serotonin and Beyond
While it is generally accepted that serotonin plays in role in our OCD what that role is, is unclear. And the evidence for it playing a role can best be described as circumstantial i.e., SSRI’s work for the majority or people with OCD and other medications don’t. This study looks at serotonin and other neurotransmitters, in particular dopamine.
There are a couple of things in the study that gave me pause. One was the phrase, “habitual indecision” and “pathological indecisiveness” in people with OCD. And while it may be a function of the relatively narrow focus of my OCD, I just don’t see indecision as being part of me. Just the opposite in fact. I am very decisive. Acting out some of my decisions might be impacted by a reluctance to do something because it will trigger OCD. But generally it doesn’t stop me. I do see that(indecisiveness) in some of the people I know with OCD but I have always assumed it was because of the content of their OCD. I am going to have to think about this some. I sure never thought about that as a factor of the OCD itself.
7 Responses to “Serotonin and Beyond”
Leave a Reply
Persons under the age of thirteen (13) are prohibited from commenting
Gaëtan Paradis on Feb 15 2007 at 10:59 am
Hi i’m new here, OCD, 55 and 22 in AA. - French from Québec.
Me too I”m a decision maker. Always tell my friends that I never regret my past because I always made decisions after a good refexion and a clear choice of what to do…
Incertus on Feb 15 2007 at 11:40 am
Hey, maybe it’s the AA thing. I’m 19 years…
Gaëtan Paradis on Feb 15 2007 at 2:18 pm
Yeah I knew about your AA times ! I saw it in your profile, but you say 17 years in your profile ? ( joke ! ) And that’s why I post a comment. I’m quite sur especially for OCD men that alcohol is very often a problem. And in my AA temoignage I’ve always said that my problem was genetic.
Incertus on Feb 15 2007 at 11:30 pm
I guess I should update that profile… Every time I’ve spoken, like at an open meeting and talked about my OCD I always have several folks come up to me after and say. “Me too”. So yeah, I know it’s common in AA. along with other mental disorders. Self medication and all of that.
Gaëtan Paradis on Feb 16 2007 at 9:59 am
Ok I know I’m not in a forum… but Hey I few more lines from me about Genetic transmission of OCD and I will behave normally on your Blog after… - What’s the problem with these Psychologists don’t they understand that the transmission is genetic and that’s all. I have a son that i raise from 1 year to 10 years who was not my biological son and he has not any kind of OCD. And… I have a son, a biological son, that I never raise but I saw him only a few times and I don’t know him but I’m sure he has OCD. My father had OCD to. Why do they have to torture us with there therapy which never do anything exept torturing us. Give us the dam pills and leave us alone… man! Sorry I had to Vent somewhere…!
Incertus on Feb 16 2007 at 10:24 am
There is no doubt that the root of OCD is genetic. And if you find a shrink that says otherwise-my advice-run away. Fast. In my family it comes from my maternal grandmothers side. In fact virtually every cousin I have in that branch of the family has OCD.
CBT therapy does work for most who can tolerate it (not many) as do the medications. But for an unfortunate minority (40% or so) neither works to any great degree. There is some evidence for genetics playing a role in in that type (treatment refractory) OCD as well.
OCD is obviously way more complex then just having “low” levels of serotonin. But it is also obviously a physiological illness that happens to have psychological symptoms. And need to be treated as such. CBT works because it actually changes the way the brain functions(over time) in those that can do it and that it works for.
Gaëtan Paradis on Feb 16 2007 at 11:12 am
Yeah I know about serotomine but when I say Genetic I mean real Gene It’s on study now that the gene:”slc1a1″ is clearly a transmitter of ocd check that link: http://archpsyc.amaassn.org/cgi/content/abstract/63/7/769
There is maybe for sure serotomin involved but a few more things will come from that study of that slc1a1 gene I’m quite sure. What I meant for CBT therapy is yes it can help but saying that the therapy alone will cure you if you follow it all your life is bull… And maybe it’s best to put money on a “genetic” solution.
By the way I like your:”Don’t believe everything you think”.