OCD and balance in the brain

The Naked Scientists podcast explores obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), featuring personal experiences and scientific research. Patrick Dolan, a student, shares his experience with OCD, detailing how compulsions shifted from physical actions to mental obsessions and how speaking about it and seeking therapy helped him manage the condition. Professor Trevor Robbins discusses the neurological basis of OCD, explaining the imbalance between goal-directed behavior and habits in the brain, and the role of trauma. Camilla Nord discusses available treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), antidepressants, deep brain stimulation, and emerging options like psychedelics. Clinical psychologist Stephanie Fitzgerald explores the gut microbiome's impact on mental health, particularly its role in serotonin production, inflammation, and stress responses related to OCD, and suggests dietary changes to improve gut health.