Disorder-specific cingulo-opercular network hyperconnectivity in pediatric OCD relative to pediatric anxiety

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Pediatric Psychology

Background:

• Adult obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) studies reveal altered functional connectivity in orbitofrontal-striatal-thalamic (OST), cingulo-opercular network (CON), and default mode network (DMN).
• Limited research exists on functional connectivity in pediatric OCD near illness onset, especially concerning co-occurring anxiety disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate functional connectivity differences in pediatric OCD patients compared to those with anxiety disorders and healthy controls.
• To clarify if observed network alterations in OCD are specific to the disorder or influenced by co-morbid anxiety.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state functional connectivity analysis was employed in unmedicated female youth (ages 8-21).
• Participants included patients with OCD (n=23), patients with anxiety disorders (n=26), and healthy controls (n=44).
• Connectivity was assessed within and between OST, CON, and DMN.

Main Results:

• The OCD group showed significantly greater functional connectivity within the CON compared to anxiety and control groups.
• The OCD group exhibited enhanced functional connectivity between OST and CON circuitry relative to the other groups.

Conclusions:

• Observed network connectivity differences in pediatric OCD are not attributable to co-morbid anxiety disorders.
• Hyperconnectivity within the CON and between CON and OST circuitry may be characteristic of pediatric OCD.
• This study enhances understanding of network dysfunction in pediatric OCD versus anxiety.