rCBF in an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Sample and its Relationship to Shyness and Self-Esteem In Children: A SPECT Study

To investigate brain activity as measured by SPECT scans of children diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) whose parents rated their level of shyness and self-esteem. Parents of the OCD participants completed a symptom checklist that included ratings for shyness and self-esteem, while children received SPECT scans. The sample (N=144) was divided into two extreme quartiles depending on the scores in the shyness and self-esteem scale: below the 25th (N=74, Male=75.67%, Mean age=12.6 years) and above the 75th quartile (N=70, Male=60%, Mean age=13.2). An independent-sample-t-test (p is less than .05) was conducted to compare high and low self-esteem and shyness scores. The results showed that the high shyness and low self-esteem group had greater perfusion in the limbic system (Mean=47.11, Standard Deviation=9.46); however, the low shyness and high self-esteem group showed greater blood flow in the parietal area (Mean=52.70, Standard Deviation=8.29). The limbic system functions include emotion and affect, compared to the parietal functions which are associated with visual-constructive and controlled fluency abilities. In order to carry out their compulsions, children may avoid social interactions. Consequently, these children may have difficulties developing self-esteem and confidence. Clinical implications include taking into consideration the different levels of emotionality and extraversion as health professionals develop treatment plans for children with the disorder.