Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with obsessions and compulsions?

The neurotransmitter most closely associated with obsessions and compulsions is serotonin. Research has shown that serotonin plays a significant role in mood regulation, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In OCD, there is often an imbalance in serotonin levels, leading to heightened anxiety and repetitive behaviors, which are characteristic of obsessions and compulsions.

Medications that target serotonin, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are frequently used to treat OCD and have been effective in reducing symptoms by increasing serotonin availability in the brain. This supports the understanding that adequate serotonin functioning is crucial for managing symptoms related to obsessions and compulsions.

While the other neurotransmitters listed have important roles in various mental health conditions, they are not as directly linked to the pathophysiology of obsessions and compulsions as serotonin is. For instance, dopamine is more associated with reward and pleasure pathways, GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety and arousal, and norepinephrine is involved in the body's stress response. However, the specific dysregulation of serotonin is a primary focus in the context of OCD and similar disorders.