Obsessive Chemistry: How Molecules Shape the Mind in OCD
Obsessive Chemistry: How Molecules Shape the Mind in OCD Imagine waking up every morning with the nagging feeling that the door isn’t locked—even after checking it five times. Your brain whispers doubt, and your hands obey again. You know it's irrational, but something within insists. This isn't just behavior. It's chemistry. What is OCD, Really? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more than a need for cleanliness or symmetry. It’s a neuropsychiatric disorder where obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive actions) interfere with daily life. But what's driving this invisible puppeteer? The answer lies in molecules—specifically, neurotransmitters and brain circuits. The Chemistry Behind OCD: A Miswired Brain Symphony Our brain is a vast electrical-chemical network. Information is passed not just by impulses, but by chemical messengers , or neurotransmitters . In OCD, the primary culprits are: 1. Serotonin (5-HT): The Mood Messenger Serotonin ...