Biological Approach to explaining OCD

Question 1

genetic explanations

Answer 1

AO1

Question 2

GE: candiate genes

Answer 2

specific genes- create a vulnerability to OCD- candidate genes
- serotonin genes- implicated in the transmission of serotonin across synapses- 5HT1-D
- Dopamine genes - implicated in OCD
both are neurotransmitters- have a role in regulating mood

Question 3

GE: OCD is polygenic

Answer 3

OCD is caused by several genes

Taylor 2013- evidence that up to 230 diff genes involved in OCD

Question 4

GE: diff types of OCD

Answer 4

• genes may either cause OCD in one or disorder in another- Aetiologically heterogeneous
  diff types of OVD may be the rest of particular genes variations - hoarding disorder and religious obsession

Question 5

neural explanations

Answer 5

AO1

Question 6

NE:low levels of serotonin lowers mood

Answer 6

NT are responsible for relaying info from one neuron to another
one has low levels of serotonin then normal transition of mood relevant information does not take place and mood is affected

Question 7

NE:decision making systems in frontal lobes impaired

Answer 7

cases such as hoarding disorder seem to be associated with impaired decision making - then may be associated with abnormal functioning of the lateral front lobes of the brain
frontal lobes are responsible for logical thinking and making decisions

Question 8

NE: parahippocampual gyrus dysfunctional

Answer 8

associated with processing unpleasant emotions, functions abnormally in OCD