biological approach to explaining OCD

Question 1

define concordance rates

Answer 1

refers to the measure of genetic similarity

Question 2

explain the findings of Lewis’ study (1936)

Answer 2

of his OCD patients 37% had parents with OCD, 21% siblings with OCD
suggesting OCD runs in families

Question 3

explain the findings of Nesdadt’s study (2010)

Answer 3

found 68% MZ shared OCD as opposed to 31% DZ twins

Question 4

define candidates genes

Answer 4

these identified as creating genetic vulnerability for OCD

Question 5

define polygenic genes

Answer 5

OCD is caused by one particular gene, but instead a combination of genetic variations increasing vulnerability

Question 6

explain the findings of Taylor’s study

Answer 6

230 genes may be involved OCD

Question 7

what does the COMT gene lead to

Answer 7

compulsions

Question 8

what is dopamine

Answer 8

a neurotransmitter which effects motivation and drive

Question 9

what is the COMT gene responsible for

Answer 9

breaking down neurotransmitters and decreases heartrate down to normal levels and help you manage stres

Question 10

why is the COMT gene an issue in OCD sufferers

Answer 10

COMT gene higher levels of dopamine

Question 11

what is the other name for the 5-HTT gene

Answer 11

SERT gene

Question 12

what does the SERT gene lead to in OCD sufferers

Answer 12

low mood

abnormal decision making

Question 13

what happens to the SERT gene in OCD sufferers

Answer 13

lower levels of serotonin which is associated with OCD
(and depression)

Question 14

give 2 examples of what different types of OCD is linked to genetic variatios

Answer 14

hoarding disorder

religious obession

Question 15

define neural explanations

Answer 15

physical and psychological characteristics are determined by the behaviour of the nervous system (e.g: brain, neurons)

Question 16

explain the worry circuit in someone with OCD

Answer 16

• worry is sent to orbital frontal cortex (ofc)
• it is then sent to the caudate nucleus (cn)
• in someone with OCD there are low levels of serotonin so the CN can’t function properly and allows the worry to continue
• and then the worry is passed onto the thalamus
• after the thalamus, the worry is then sent back to the orbital frontal cortex which brings it to the conscious mind, which then triggers another worry through the cycle and another worry until they carry out a compulsion