The orbitofrontal cortex, depression, and other mental disorders

Abstract

An approach to depression is described, in which there is over-sensitivity of the lateral orbitofrontal cortex non-reward attractor system, and under-sensitivity of the medial orbitofrontal cortex reward system. Many functional connectivities involving the lateral orbitofrontal cortex are increased in depression, and many functional connectivities involving the medial orbitofrontal cortex are decreased in depression. Involvement of the orbitofrontal cortex in bipolar disorder, autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and compulsivity including obsessive-compulsive disorder, is also described.