Biological Approach To Explaining OCD Flashcards
Genetic explanations
Candidate genes
- create vulnerability for OCD
- genes associated with development of
- seretonin
- dopamine
OCD is polygenic
- ocd isn’t caused by a single gene but several
- up to 230 genes involved
Different types of OCD
OCD is AETIOLOGICALLY HETEROGENEOS
So there is various explanations
GE evaluations- good supporting evidence
Twin studies
Nestadt et al 2010
- 68% of identical twins share OCD
-31% non identical twins
Shows link between genes influencing OCD
GE evaluation - too many candidate genes
Unable to detect OCD early on due to so many genes.
Genetic explanation has very little predictive value
GE explanation- environmental risk factors
Cromer et al (2007)
Over half their patients with OCD had a traumatic event in life, and in these cases OCD was more severe
Suggests that OCD cannot be entirely genetic in origin, may be more productive to focus on environmental as these can be detected and prevented.
Neural explanations
The role of serotonin
- the neurotransmitter serotonin, regulates mood. Low levels shows an increase in OCD.
Decision making systems
-abnormal functioning of the frontal lobes- responsible for logical thinking.
Thus has an increase in OCD
NE evaluation- there is some supporting evidence
Antidepressants work purely on serotonin system and show the relationship of serotonin in OCD
NE evaluation- not clear exactly what neural mechanisms are involved
Isn’t clear what bran systems are involved in decision making and what always play a role in OCD
- can not claim to under any the neural mechanisms involved
NE evaluation- shouldn’t assume neural mechanisms cause OCD
Evidence to suggest that various neurotransmitters and structures of the bairn do not function normally with patients with OCD.
Biological abnormalities could be a result of OCD rather than a cause
