Basal Ganglia

The Basal Ganglia which is a collection of subcortical nuclei in the forebrain is responsible for the following functions of the brain:

• Integration of feeling and movement
• Modulation of anxiety
• Control of smooth motor movement

Individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and ADHD have been found to have damage in their basal ganglia region and it has been hypothesized that there is similar damage in some cases of autism as well.

Problems in the Basal Ganglia result in:

• Increased anxiety or panic
• Conflict avoidance
• Decreased motivation
• ADD like symptoms

People who exhibit symptoms associated with the Basal Ganglia tend to do well with anti-anxiety medications such as the benzodiazepines, or Buspar, as well as the antidepressants (imipramine, desipramine, MAOI's) or the anticonvulsant medications as well.