Biological approach as an explanation for OCD

Question 1

Outline how the Biological approach explains OCD

Answer 1

-It suggests our genetics and neural factors affect and determine whether someone has OCD or not

Question 2

Outline how genetics affect whether someone has OCD or not

Answer 2

• Their is a theory that suggests OCD is heredity and certain genes are inherited that determine someone having OCD.
• The COMT gene affects the neurotransmitter dopamine, people with OCD have a variation of this gene which cause them to have higher levels of dopamine, this then is thought to affect OCD.
• The SERT gene, influences the neurotransmitter serotonin in the body, lower levels of serotonin is linked to the development of OCD.
• OCD is thought to be polygenic, this means that OCD is caused by multiple genes and not just one gene

Question 3

outline how neural factors affect whether someone has OCD or not

Answer 3

• Serotonin which is responsible for mood and in OCD sufferers serotonin levels are low therefore normal transmission of mood related information does not take place therefore Mood and the effects of OCD are effected.
• Higher levels of dopamine is also known to contribute to OCD
• Their is also abnormal functioning in the frontal lobe in OCD sufferers and the frontal lobe is responsible for decision making therefore the symptoms of OCD arise.
• the parahippocampal gyrus which is repsonsible for processing unpleasant emotions functions abnormally in OCD sufferers therefore this leads to high anxiety levels.

Question 4

Identify evaluation paragraphs for Biological approach as an explanation for OCD

Answer 4

• Developed SSRI and the fact they are effective shows us OCD is caused by serotonin
• Research evidence from twin studies showed MZ twins had a 68% concordance rate while DZ twins had 31% concordance rate. However Twin studies concordance rates arent always 100%/Behavioural approach
• Alternative explanation for OCD Two process model (learning occurs when anxiety is associated with a stimulus but it is maintained through negative reinforcement which is the compulsive behaviour)