Biological Approach With OCD Flashcards
What does the biological approach to OCD suggest
It suggests that unusual physiological processes may play a role in its development
What are 2 possible explanations for OCD
Genetic transmission and neural damage
What did Aubrey Lewis study
Genetic susceptibility and ocd
Who studied the genetic susceptibility of ocd
Aubrey Lewis
What did Aubrey Lewis’ study indicate
That genetic factors may heighten a person’s susceptibility to OCD
What is evidence for Aubrey Lewis’ study
A considerable number of ocd patients have affected family members
What is a misconception about genetic susceptibility
That it is the genetic vulnerability that is passed down not the disorder itself
What model suggests that specific genes increase the risk of OCD development
The diathesis-stress model
What does the diathesis-stress model suggest
that specific genes increase the risk of OCD development
What are crucial triggers for the disorder
Environmental triggers
What are candidate genes
A certain gene that has been identified by researchers to increase the likelihood of developing ocd
What are candidate genes associated with regulating
The serotonin system
what is the main gene in the serotonin system that facilitates serotonin movement across synapses
5HT1-D beta gene
What does the 5HT1-D beta gene do
facilitates serotonin movement across synapses
What is ocd in terms of genes
It is polygenic
What does polygenic mean
A characteristic that is determined by 2 or more genes
How is OCD a condition called polygenicity
OCD is not attributed to a single gene, but rather a combination of genetic variations that lead to increased vulnerability
Who studied ocd being poly genetic
Steven Taylor
What did Steven Taylor find in his studies
He did analysis’ of previous researches and suggested that OCD may involve up to 230 different genes
What did Steven Taylor find that these many genes are associated with
The regulations of dopamine and serotonin
What are serotonin and dopamine
They are neurotransmitters that play a role in mood regulation
What is a strength of the role of genetics in ocd
Twin studies show a higher concordance rates of ocd among identical twins which provides evidence for genetic influence. Family studies also revealed that individuals that have family members that are diagnosed with ocd are at a higher risk of developing ocd. There is a good amount of support
What is a limitation of the genetic role of ocd
There is an environmental risk factor for ocd as OCD is not solely caused by genetic factors, and environmental triggers can either initiate or exacerbate symptoms. A research done by Kira Cromer showed that over 50% of ocd patients have bee exposed to traumatic events in the past and they have more severe traumatic ocd symptoms which shows that genetic vulnerability isn’t enough to explain ocd
What is the neural explanation for ocd
The role of serotonin and neurotransmitters to explain ocd
What is the main neurotransmitter that plays a key role in explaining ocd
Serotonin
What is serotonin
a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood
Why does serotonin play such a key role in explaining ocd
The normal transmission of mood-relevant information is disrupted when serotonin levels are low, leading to negative mood states and impairing other cognitive processes
What parts of the brain are associated with impaired decision making
Frontal lobes and parahippocampal gyru
What do the left parahippocampal gyru process
They are a brain region that processes negative emotions
How does the left parahippocampal gyru link to impaired decision making
It may be linked to impaired decision-making, particularly in hoarding disorder
What are the frontal lobes responsible for
logical thinking and decision-making
How does the left parahippocampal gyrus link to ocd
It appears to function abnormally and the processing of unpleasant emotions may impair decision making
What is a strength of neural model
The effectiveness of antidepressants that exclusively target serotonin in reducing OCD symptoms is one such piece of evidence. Furthermore, OCD symptoms are often present in disorders with a biological basis, such as Parkinson’s disease. This suggests that the biological mechanisms involved in certain conditions may also contribute to OCD. Therefore, it is possible that serotonin and the underlying processes of specific disorders are contributing factors to OCD.
What is a limitation the neural model
The neural model’s applicability to OCD is constrained by the potential non-specificity of the relationship between serotonin and OCD. A substantial proportion of individuals with OCD also suffer from clinical depression, a comorbidity that may not be linked to serotonin function.As a result, using serotonin as a foundation for OCD may present a logical issue, since its functioning could be disturbed in numerous people with OCD owing to depression. This suggests that serotonin may not play a significant role in the manifestation of OCD symptoms.
What is the main type of treatment for ocd
Pharmacological treatments by targeting abnormal neurotransmitter levels, such as dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate
Why is pharmacotherapy often regarded as an effective treatment option
Because of the significance of biological explanations for these disorders
What is the primary drug used to treat ocd
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
How do SSRIs work to treat ocd symptoms
increase the levels of serotonin in the brain’s synapses, which helps to balance any imbalances in the serotonin system that may contribute to OCD
How does SSRIs work
SSRIs works by blocking the reabsorption and breakdown of serotonin by the presynaptic neuron, promoting the continued stimulation of the postsynaptic neuron
What does the optimal dosage and administration of SSRIs depend on
It depends on the specific medication such as if there is fluoxetine in Prozac and so its standard dose is different and is adjusted based on the patients response
How long does it take for SSRIs to have a significant effect on OCD symptoms
Several months of daily use
What can SSRIs be combined with for treating ocd
CBT
How can SSRIs and CBT work together to treat ocd
SSRIs can reduce emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression, making it easier for individuals to fully engage with CBT. While some people may find CBT alone sufficient, others may benefit more from a combination of CBT and medication
What are some alternatives for treating ocd
Increasing dosage, combining with other medications or using other medications
Why may the treatments be changed
Patients may not respond tho the treatments
What is a type of antidepressant which is used as an alternative to SSRIs
Tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine
What is cloipramine
it has a similar effect on the serotonin system as SSRIs however it has more serious side effects and is typically reserved for patients who do not respond to SSRIs
What is the newer class of anitdepressants that is used as an alternative treatment for ocd
SNRIs
How do SNRIs work
increase levels of both serotonin and noradrenaline, have also been used as a second-line treatment for OCD when SSRIs and tricyclics are ineffective in relieving symptoms
What are the 3 strengths of drug treatments for ocd
.strong effective evidence, SSRIs significantly reduce symptom severity and improve quality of life for around 70% of people with OCD, show sits a helpful treatment
.cost effective as the manufacturing of thousands of medications can be done in the time it takes to conduct one therapy session
.non disruptive treatment and don’t take much time no effort
What are the limitations of drug treatment for ocd
.Skapinakis found evidence that both cognitive and behavioural therapies esp exposure therapies work more effectively than SSRIs. implies that drug may not always be the best choice
.drugs have serious side effects such as indigestion, blurred vision and more
