Reduced pineal gland volume in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

ObjectivePatients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may have changes in their hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and as a result, have increased secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol and reduced secretion of melatonin. Examination of pineal gland volumes in patients with OCD compared to healthy controls, thus, is an important consideration and the focus of this study. Methods A total of 20 patients with OCD and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of participants were assessed, and structural magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Results Patients with OCD had a statistically significant smaller pineal gland volumes compared to healthy controls. Conclusion In this pilot study, patients with OCD exhibited smaller pineal gland volumes compared to healthy control subjects. While this finding suggests a potential link between the pineal gland and OCD pathophysiology, further research with larger sample sizes and measurement of hormonal changes is necessary.