Reduced pineal gland volume in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Objective Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can have hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and may have increased secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol and reduced secretion of melatonin. Examination of pineal gland volumes in patients with OCD compared to healthy controls, thus, is an important consideration and the focus of this study. Methods A total of 20 patients with OCD and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Demographic and clinical characteristics of participants were assessed, and structural magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Results Patients with OCD had a statistically significant smaller pineal gland volumes compared to healthy controls. Conclusion In this initial small study, patients with OCD exhibited smaller pineal gland volumes compared to healthy control subjects. While this finding suggests a potential link between the pineal gland and OCD pathophysiology, further research with larger sample sizes and measurement of hormonal changes are necessary.