The dopamine pathways in OCD

Dopamine is transmitted via three major pathways. In obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) transmission of dopamine from the substantia nigra to the basal ganglia and caudate nucleus-putamen (neostriatum) is thought to be increased. These regions of the brain are concerned with sensory stimuli and movement. The pathways projecting to the forebrain, mesolimbic system, and the tubero-infundibular system remain unaffected in OCD.

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References

Clin Neuropharmacol 2001;24:191–202.

Neuron 2000;28:343–347.