Final answer:
The orbitofrontal cortex is implicated in the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms due to its role in regulating decision-making and emotions. Dysfunctions in this region may lead to the characteristic repetitive behaviors and obsessive thoughts seen in OCD.
Step-by-step explanation:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder:
The brain region believed to play a critical role in the development of symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the orbitofrontal cortex. Research has shown that this area, along with other regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex and the striatum, displays hyperactivation during symptom provocation in individuals with OCD. The orbitofrontal cortex is instrumental in modulating judgments, decision-making, and regulating emotions, which are functions that can become dysregulated in OCD.
The orbitofrontal cortex is a part of the prefrontal cortex, which contains structures important for planning, judgment, reasoning, and working memory. Dysfunctions in the orbitofrontal cortex are associated with repetitive behaviors and obsessive thoughts, hallmark characteristics of OCD. Evidently, hyperactivation and neuronal circuit irregularities within the orbitofrontal region may contribute significantly to the disorder’s manifestation.