biological approach to explaining ocd

Question 1

Genetic explanation

Answer 1

COMT AND SERT GENES

Question 2

COMT gene

Answer 2

• may contribute to OCD
• called the COMT gene because its involved in the production of catechol-O-methyltransferase
• COMT regulates production of dopamine that has been implicated in OCD
• one form has been found more common in OCD patients than those without the disorder

Question 3

SERT gene

Answer 3

• this affects the transport of serotonin
• these lower levels are implicated in OCD
• found a mutation of this gene in 2 unrelated families where 6/7 family members had OCD

Question 4

Neural explanations

Answer 4

Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters
- dopamine and serotonin

Question 5

Dopamine levels

Answer 5

• thought to be abnormally high in those with OCD
• high doses of drugs that enhance levels of dopamine induced stereotypical movements resembling the compulsive behaviours found in OCD patients

Question 6

Serotonin levels

Answer 6

• too low in people with OCD
• based on the idea that anti-depressant drugs that increase serotonin lead to a reduction of OCD symptoms

Question 7

Abnormal brain circuits

Answer 7

• there are parts of the brain linked to decision making and in some cases of OCD, there seems to be an issue with impaired decision making
  » this in turn may be associated with abnormal functioning of the lateral of the frontal lobes of the brain
  »> the frontal lobes are the front part of the brain that are responsible for logical thinking and making decisions

Question 8

Limitation

Answer 8

• nomothetic, should be ideographic because everyone may experience OCD differently

Question 9

Strength

Answer 9

• positive implications for the economy