Which neurotransmitter is primarily affected in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

In patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), serotonin is primarily the neurotransmitter affected. Research has shown that individuals with OCD often exhibit abnormalities in serotonin pathways, which suggests that this neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in the condition. Treatments for OCD, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are effective because they increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms.

The involvement of serotonin in regulating mood and anxiety is significant, as these elements are often disrupted in OCD. Increased understanding of how serotonin functions and its relationship to OCD has led to therapeutic approaches that specifically target serotonergic systems to help manage the disorder. In contrast, while dopamine, norepinephrine, and glutamate do have roles in various mental health conditions, they are not primarily implicated in the pathology of OCD as serotonin is.