Biological Approach Of Explaining OCD

Question 1

OCD

Answer 1

Type of anxiety disorder
Experience obsessions and compulsions (thought of doing something and acting on it)
Behaviour is to attempt to reduce stress/anxiety
Individual aware behaviour is excessive but unable to control it

Question 2

Assumptions

Answer 2

Individuals inherit specific genes from their parents ( genetic explanation)
Genetic factors also affect certain brain circuit’s that may be abnormal (neural explanation)

Question 3

COMPT gene

Answer 3

Found most commonly in odd patients
Regulates neurotransmitter dopamine (hormone linked to addictive behaviour)

Question 4

SERT gene

Answer 4

effect transport of serotonin- regulates levels of neurotransmitter
Low levels implicated in OCD patients

Question 5

Diathesis stress model

Answer 5

Sert gene implicated in other disorders
Suggests people have a genetic weakness/vulnerability for ocd and is triggered by an environmental factor

Question 6

Polygenic

Answer 6

These genes play a role - unlikely to be a single gene that causes ocd
Could be combination of up to 230 different genes

Question 7

Neural explanation- abnormal brain circuits

Answer 7

Frontal lobe is abnormal in odd patients (effects decision making)

Question 8

Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters

Answer 8

High levels of dopamine leave to compulsive disorders
Low levels of seritonin associated to OCD
Antidepressants increase serotonin therefore reducing ocd symptoms