Brainstem involvement in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Author(s): Serra, F. P., Palma, V., Buscaino, G. A.

Journal/Book: Biol Psychol. 1998; 48: PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands. Elsevier Science BV. 69-77.

Abstract: We investigated the possible involvement of the brainstem in the pathology of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were collected from a population of neurotics (100 patients), including a group of 50 subjects suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the rest having generalized anxiety disorder. Twenty-five, age- and sex-matched, healthy volunteers served as controls. BAEPs were recorded by standard techniques as recommended by the AEEGS Clinical Evoked Potentials Guidelines. A one-way analysis of variance and the Fisher least-significant difference test were used for statistical analysis of the data. After stimulation of the right ear, a significant increase of wave I-V interpeak latency was found in the two groups of patients as compared with that of controls. Moreover OCD patients had a significantly reduced amplitude of wave III when compared to that of the control group. Our electrophysiological data suggest a possible involvement of brainstem in OCD pathogenesis. We discuss our findings in relation to biochemical, anatomical and physiological alterations described in the literature for serotonin-dependent systems. .

Note: Article Nolfe G, CNR, Natl Res Council, Inst Cybernet, Dept Neurodynam, Via Toiano 6, I-80072 Arco, Na, ITALY

Keyword(s): obsessive-compulsive disorder; BAEP; brainstem; serotonin; GLUCOSE METABOLIC RATES; CLOMIPRAMINE TREATMENT; EVOKED-RESPONSES; TOMOGRAPHY; SEROTONIN

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