biological approach explaining OCD Flashcards
1
Q
what explanations are there for OCD
A
- neural = NTs
- genetic = candidate genes
2
Q
what is the genetic explanation of OCD
A
- Lewis - 37% of OCD patients had parents with OCD
- candidate genes = create vulnerability for OCD e.g. SERT and COMT ->
- polygenic = several genes are responsible for causing OCD -> Taylor - evidence of up to 230 genes involved in OCD
- different types of OCD = aetiogically heterogeneous (origin of OCD has different causes)
3
Q
what is the neural explanation of OCD
A
- the role of serotonin = helps regulate mood, low levels responsible for OCD due to unregulated mood
- decision-making systems = abnormal functioning of frontal lobe which is responsible for decision making can lead to some cases of OCD e.g. hoarding disorder
4
Q
evaluate the genetic explanation for OCD
A
- supporting evidence = Nestadt et al - 68%MZ shared OCD, 31%DZ
- too many candidate genes = each gene only increases vulnerability by a fraction therefore genetic explanation has little predicative value
- diathesis-stress = suggests that OCD only occurs when there’s a combination of genetic vulnerability AND environmental trigger
5
Q
evaluate the neural explanation for OCD
A
- causation issues = these abnormalities may be a result of the OCD rather than a cause - aetiology fallacy
- supporting evidence from treatments = some antidepressants work purely on the serotonin system and are successful at reducing symptoms, suggesting that serotonin could be a cause
