Abstract
BackgroundThe neurodevelopmental model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suggests that the neurodevelopmental changes in the ventral striatal circuit of the prefrontal lobe are associated with the initial symptoms of OCD. Facial morphology is one of the most consistent anatomical phenotypes of neurodevelopmental disorders, which can reflect brain structure and function. Facial deformity, an easily measured index of brain malformation, can reflect abnormal brain structure and function. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between clinical features and neurodevelopment of adolescents with OCD through facial morphology.MethodsThe enrolled study sample comprised 40 adolescents diagnosed with OCD using the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Child Version (OCI-CV) and 38 healthy controls (HCs). Facial photos, 21 facial diameters, and 9 facial angles were collected using image software.ResultsIn males, lower lip red height was significantly lower in OCD patients than in HCs (P < 0.025); no significant differences were observed in other facial indicators (all P > 0.025). In females, the nasolabial angle was smaller in OCD patients than in HCs (P < 0.025); no significant differences were observed in other facial indicators (all P > 0.025). The difference in lower lip red height between the OCD group and HC group was positively correlated with neutralizing symptoms (r = 0.401, P < 0.05).ConclusionsMale OCD patients had a thinner lower lip and female OCD patients had smaller nasolabial angles. The facial features of adolescents with OCD were positively correlated with lower lip redness and neutralizing symptoms.
Highlights
The neurodevelopmental model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suggests that the neurode‐ velopmental changes in the ventral striatal circuit of the prefrontal lobe are associated with the initial symptoms of OCD
The neurodevelopmental model of OCD, proposed by Rosenberg and Keshavan, theorizes that neurodevelopmental changes in the ventral striatal circuit of the prefrontal lobe are associated with the initial symptoms of OCD [5]
Sample characteristics The study consisted of 78 adolescents (n = 40 in the OCD group and n = 38 in the healthy controls (HCs) group) aged 15–17 years old (M = 16.25, SD = 0.87)
Summary
The neurodevelopmental model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suggests that the neurode‐ velopmental changes in the ventral striatal circuit of the prefrontal lobe are associated with the initial symptoms of OCD. A recent genomic study of mental diseases including OCD, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and tic disorder demonstrated that pleiotropic risk sites are enriched in genes related to neurogenesis and neurodevelopment, and are expressed in the second trimester peak [7]. These findings support the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of OCD in children. The neurodevelopmental origin and potential causes of OCD have not been elucidated
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have