Abnormalities in static and dynamic intrinsic neural activity and neurotransmitters in first-episode obsessive-compulsive disorder

Motivation: Explore for neurobiological mechanisms and potential treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Goal(s): To investigate static and dynamic intrinsic neural activity (INA) changes in patients with first-episode OCD and whether these changes might reflect the potential of neurotransmitters. Approach: Static and dynamic regional homogeneity of 95 patients and 106 control subjects were compared, and the results were imported into PET- and SPECT derived maps. Results: Patients with first-episode OCD have static and dynamic INA abnormalities in multiple brain regions, which have the potential to reveal the molecular characteristics. The results would help to further understand pathophysiological mechanisms of OCD and provide alternative therapeutic targets. Impact: It is impossible to fully reveal complex mental diseases by relying on only one method. Multi-directional exploration of OCD with the help of neuroimaging and microscopic neurotransmitter combination is conducive to early clinical diagnosis, accurate treatment, and even prognosis prediction.