Biological approach OCD Flashcards
What is OCD :
A condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour
What are the two biological explanations of ocd :
Genetic and Neural
What is the genetic explanation ?
Where genes makeup chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical and psychological features
How are genes involved with OCD
Genes are involved in individual vulnerabilities to OCD.
Research in OCD ;
LEWIS (1936) observed that his OCD patients - 37% had parents with OCD
- 21% had siblings with OCD
What does research suggest :
This suggests that OCD runs in the family ,although it is probably passed on from one generation to next generation - genetic vulnerability
What does the diathesis stress model
Certain genes leave some people more likely to suffer a mental disorder but it is not certain.
Environmental stress could also trigger the condition
What are candidate genes ?
Genes which create vulnerability for OCD.These genes are involved in regulating the development of serotonin system
EG. Gene 5HT1-D beta is implicated in the efficiency of transport of serotonin across synapses
What are polygenic genes.
OCD seems polygenic ; OCD is not caused by one single gene but several genes are involved
Research into polygenic genes
-Taylor(2013) has analysed findings of previous studies and found evidence of 230 different genes may be involved in OCD.
-Genes have been studied in relation of OCD ; action of dopamine aswell of serotonin , both neurotransmitters believed to have a role in regulating mood.
The different types of OCD :
