The OCD Brain: Understanding Neural Explanations

The OCD Brain: Understanding Neural Explanations

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to explain neural explanations for OCD.

This slide sets the objective for the lesson.

What do you already know about OCD and its possible neural causes?

What is OCD?

OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by intrusive, repetitive thoughts and behaviors.

Define OCD for the students.

The Biological Model of OCD

OCD is caused by imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.

Introduce the biological model of OCD.

The Cortico-Striatal Model of OCD

OCD is caused by overactivity in the cortico-striatal loops.

Explain the cortico-striatal model of OCD.

The Orbitofrontal Cortex

The orbitofrontal cortex is associated with decision-making and impulse control.

Describe the role of the orbitofrontal cortex.

The Anterior Cingulate Cortex

The anterior cingulate cortex is associated with error detection and motivation.

Describe the role of the anterior cingulate cortex.

The Basal Ganglia

The basal ganglia is associated with habitual behavior and motor control.

Describe the role of the basal ganglia.

The Thalamus

The thalamus relays sensory information to the cortex.

Describe the role of the thalamus.

The Serotonin Hypothesis

Low levels of serotonin are associated with OCD symptoms.

Introduce the serotonin hypothesis.

The Dopamine Hypothesis

High levels of dopamine are associated with OCD symptoms.

Introduce the dopamine hypothesis.

Brain Imaging Studies

Brain imaging studies have shown differences in brain activity in people with OCD compared to those without.

Show brain imaging studies that support neural explanations for OCD.

Limitations of Neural Explanations

Neural explanations cannot fully account for the complex nature of OCD.

Explain the limitations of neural explanations for OCD.

Interactive Activity: Brain Regions and OCD Symptoms

Match the brain region with the OCD symptom it is associated with.

Instruct students to participate in an interactive activity where they match brain regions with associated OCD symptoms.

Case Study: Brain Surgery for OCD

In severe cases of OCD, brain surgery may be used to alleviate symptoms by altering brain activity.

Present a case study where brain surgery was used to treat severe OCD symptoms.

Summary

OCD may be caused by imbalances in neurotransmitters and overactivity in cortico-striatal loops.

Summarize the main points covered in the lesson.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.