Biological approach to explaining OCD Flashcards
what is SERT?
the SERT gene affects the transports of serotonin and can cause lowers levels of serotonin which causes OCD
what is COMT?
the COMT is responsible for clearing dopamine from synapsis and low activity of the COMT gene is associated with OCD
the genetic explanations for OCD suggest what?
what two genes are linked to OCD?
they suggest that individuals INHERIT specific genes that cause OCD. two genes that have been linked to is SERT and COMT
what are the two biological explanations for OCD?
genetic and neural
how does the genetic explanation explain OCD?
it states that OCD is inherited and individuals receive specific genes from their parents which influences the onset of OCD
how does the neural explanation explain OCD?
it suggests abnormal levels of neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine) and certain brain regions are responsible for OCD
according to the genetic explanation, OCD is …. (several genes involved) condition
polygenic
according to the genetic explanation, studies show what for MZ twins
the cordance rate is 45% - 65%
which is high and therefore partially shows am indication that its inherited.
HOWEVER, the concordance rate isnt 100% this shows that there are other factors for example home life.
OCD is due to inheritance. genetic or neural?
genetic
OCD is due to brain structure. genetic or neural?
neural?
the neural explanations states that …. brain …. are implicated with OCD.
TWO / BRAIN
what is the name of the two brain area implicated with OCD according to the genetic explanation
Basal ganglia and Orbitofrontal cortex
the basal ganglia coordinates what?
brain movement
people with injuries in what area of the brain often develop OCD-like symptoms?
basal ganglia
the orbitofrontal cortex converts sensory information into what for those with OCD?
how is this shown?
thoughts and action/higher activity
shown through PET scans
evaluation: research from …. studies by …. (1936) of patients with OCD had …. with the disorder and … (number that is a percentage) had siblings.
FAMILY / PARENTS / 21%
evaluation: Nestadt (2000) showed what?
shows that individuals who have first degree relatives with OCD are 5 more times likely to develop the disorder
evaluation: twin studies have shown what?
mention MZ and DZ twins in answers.
twins studies have shown a genetic link, MZ twins are more likely to develop the same disorder compared to DZ twins
evaluation: the coordence rate is not what?
this means that…
what would be more better explanation
co-ordance rate is not 100% this means that there are other factors to why such as external factors like home life.
a better explanation would be the diathesis stress model where genetic vulnerability is inherited and triggered by an environmental stressor.
when asked an evaluation question always start with what?
use the biological approach as an example
a strength for the biological approach to OCD comes from research from family studies
evaluation: research using …. scanning techniques supports the idea of ……. structures being …… in the development of OCD.
BRAIN / BIOLOGICAL / IMPLICATED
evaluation: the biological approach to OCD has led to many successful what? such as…(give example x2)
TREATMENTS / SSRIs and BZs
evaluation: the basal ….. and …. cortex are involved but there are other areas that are occasionally involved.
This makes it difficult to conclude that …… abnormalities are the …. of OCD or an affect.
GANGLIA / ORBITOFRONTAL / BIOLOGICAL / CAUSE
evaluation: if purely genetic, the genetic explanation to OCD, then parent and children with OCD should have the same ….. and …..
OBSESSIONS / COMPULSIONS
evaluation: the biological approach to OCD is takes ….. viewpoint. why?
REDUCTIONIST
this is because it reduces a complex disorder down to purely biological causes, therefore biological reductionism
how might the behavioural approach explain OCD?
people will acquire OCD through classical condition people with associate dirt with anxiety/fear and maintain through operant conditioning. this is down through negative reinforcement such as washing hands to reduce the anxiety
how might social learning theory explain OCD?
people might watch some vicariously watch someone produce a behavior and reinforced through a reward
(feeling of relief/satisfaction) and then want to imitate to the get the same reward.
how might the cognitive approach explain OCD?
faulty schemes and irrational thinking cause intrusive and irrational though which induces fear/anxiety
