Final answer:
Increased activity in the frontal lobes, particularly the prefrontal cortex, has been detected in brain scans of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder. This hyperactivation is related to the disorder's symptoms which involve impaired judgment and decision-making. Studies like Simon et al. (2010) support these findings with evidence of fronto-striato-limbic hyperactivation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Brain scans of individuals suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) showed increased activity in some areas of the frontal lobes, which are responsible for forming plans and making judgments. This heightened activity, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, is associated with the symptoms of OCD, as this region is involved in functions such as planning, judgment, reasoning, and impulse control.
One foundational study that supports these findings is by Simon et al. (2010), which highlighted fronto-striato-limbic hyperactivation during symptom provocation in OCD patients. This suggests that there is excessive engagement in these brain circuits that are crucial for decision-making and behavioral control. The famous case of Phineas Gage and the outdated practice of prefrontal lobectomy also provide historical insight into how damage to these areas can result in drastic personality and behavioral changes, further supporting the critical role of the prefrontal cortex in mental processes.
Assessing judgment and reasoning, functions linked to frontal lobe activity, involves several methods during a mental status exam. This includes problem-solving scenarios, interpreting proverbs, and comparing word pairs for similarities. These tasks collectively offer insight into the cognitive functioning of the frontal lobes. In the case of OCD, the hyperactivation observed in the prefrontal cortex is thought to contribute to the characteristic repetitive thoughts and behaviors.