A clinical psychologist is treating a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and notes that the patient's compulsions are triggered by obsessions related to harm. The psychologist considers the role of the orbitofrontal cortex in this presentation. Which of the following neurobiological mechanisms is most likely involved?

Increased dopaminergic activity leading to heightened salience of thoughts

Reduced serotonergic function causing compulsive checking behavior

Impaired prepulse inhibition due to altered glutamatergic signaling

Dysfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis resulting in stress response

Disruption of the feedback loop between the prefrontal cortex and striatum

Psychology

College Board

Exam No：AP Psychology Problem Set 8 Year：2024 Question No：APPsychology2024AP0499

Answer:

8.4 Bipolar, Depressive, Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders