Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)

The orbitofrontal cortex is a region of the prefrontal cortex located on the ventral surface of the frontal lobes. It plays a central role in reward processing, value-based decision making, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility. Dysfunction in OFC circuits is implicated in various psychiatric disorders, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addiction. Neuromodulation of the OFC—through techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and pharmacological interventions targeting neurotransmitter systems (e.g., dopamine)—can alter OFC network activity, leading to changes in mood and behavior. This approach is being pursued therapeutically for individuals with treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders, but the OFC itself is a site of intervention rather than a classical molecular drug target.

Other names

Medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC)Lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC)

Neuromodulation via non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g., rTMS, tDCS, ECT); Targeted deep brain stimulation (DBS); Pharmacological modulation of neurotransmitter systems (e.g., dopaminergic drugs).