Comparing Functional Connections of Brain Waves in Resting State and Imaginary Exposure in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Subgroup with Harm Avoidance Motivation

Pourebrahimi, Mahjoubeh; Sarafraz, MehdiReza

doi:10.48308/apsy.2025.239214.1789

Comparing Functional Connections of Brain Waves in Resting State and Imaginary Exposure in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Subgroup with Harm Avoidance Motivation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Ph.D. of Clinical Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.

² Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.

10.48308/apsy.2025.239214.1789

Abstract

Aim: This study compared functional brain connectivity patterns during resting state and imaginal exposure to obsession-provoking stimuli in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by harm-avoidance motivation.

Method: A within-subject descriptive-analytical design was used. Forty-five individuals with OCD were recruited from a counseling center in Kerman during 2023–2024 using purposive sampling. Participants completed standardized clinical assessments and underwent EEG recording during resting and imaginal exposure conditions. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests.

Results: Imaginal exposure was associated with increased delta and theta connectivity in frontal and fronto-central regions, and decreased alpha and beta connectivity across multiple intra- and interhemispheric regions compared to resting state (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Imaginal exposure induces widespread alterations in functional connectivity across frequency bands. These findings support further subgroup-specific investigations of OCD neurophysiology.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Clinical Disorders

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