OCD traits linked to different brain regions

Scientists say they have unearthed a clue to solving the mystery of obsessive-compulsive disorder -- the trait characterized with humor on the TV detective series “Monk.”

Now, researchers have demonstrated that each of the three behaviors associated with OCD -- hand-washing, checking and hoarding -- activates a different brain region. The study was published in the latest issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.

David Mataix-Cols of the Institute of Psychiatry in London and his colleagues found that patients with hand-washing obsessions experienced activity in one brain region when presented with thoughts of dirty toilets and other germ-infested objects. The brains of patients characterized as hoarders experienced activity in a different brain region when presented with piles of papers.

Checkers, who compulsively check on such things as whether appliances have been turned off, experienced activity in yet another brain region when shown pictures of kettles and irons.