Biological Approach To OCD

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Biological approach

Physical elements such as genes

Question 2

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Answer 2

Inherited mental disorders
Specific genes for OCD
COMT regulates dopamine impacts OCD increasing dopamine levels
SERT transport of serotonin lower levels

Question 3

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Answer 3

Genetics link to abnormal levels or neurotransmitters causing abnormal brain circuits
High dopamine low serotonin
Caudate nucleus suppressed signals from frontal cortex and so ofc sends signals to the thalamus about worrying Things In people with OCD the caudate nucleus is damaged and can’t suppress minor worries so the OFC is alaerted and a worry circuit forms
Worry circuit is supported by pet scans
Seratonin and dopamine are related to these irregularities

Question 4

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Family and twins study’s

Answer 4

E: Meta analysis
14 studies
Identiical twins are 2x as likely to develop OCD if there other twin has the disorder than non-identical twins

E: clear genetic basis
Concordance never 100%
Environmental factors at play

L: strength clear genetic basis
Can be generalised to most cases has a high reliability due to PET scan evidence

Question 5

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Research support for genes and OFC

Answer 5

E:MRI to produce images of brain activity in OCD patients close relatives of OCD patients and OCD patients had higher levels of brain matter than non OCD patients and close relatives

E: anatomical differences are inherited so could lead to OCD
Brain scans could be used to predict OCD

L: strength OCD proves validity of the idea the neurological problems lead to OCD clear correlation

Question 6

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Real world application

Answer 6

E: one parent has COMT gene
Eggs could be screened
Can choose weather or not to abort the eggs
Genes could be turned off

E: genes could be turned off no one has to suffer
Ethical concerns

L: limitation could cause ethical problems Strength leads to prevention of development

Question 7

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Alternative explanations

Answer 7

E: two process model can apply to OCD

E: neutral stimulus and anxiet response
Mentioned through avoidance
Compulsive behaviours appear to reduce anxiety
Exposure response prevention experience feared stimulus at the same time not preforming compulsion

L: limitations not completely reliable as both bio and behavioural approaches play a part