Biological expl. OCD

Question 1

Key Gene AO1

+ a who

Answer 1

Candidate genes increase vulnerability
SERT gene monitors movement of serotonin over synapses
COMPT gene regulates dopamine production
Low levels of serotonin cause OCD
Taylor found 230 genes linked to OCD - polygenic

Question 2

Neural AO1

Answer 2

Low serotonin impairs decision making in frontal lobes
parahippocampal gyrus malfunctioning - so suffers from unpleasant emotions
Caudate nucleus of worry circuit affected - worries arent supressed

Question 3

AO3

Answer 3

Nestadt et al
Unclear causality
Role of environment
Antidepressants effective
Reductionist

Question 4

Nestadt et al

Answer 4

meta analysis of twin studies
68% of monzygotic twins share OCD
31% of dizygotic twins
Greater risk of genetic heredity 
Adds validity to genetic explanation

Question 5

Causality

Answer 5

Damage to brain structures cause OCD

Or OCD causes damage

Question 6

Role of environment

Who

Answer 6

Cromer
1/2 OCD sufferers in sample experience traumatic experience
OCD more severe with severity of experience
Implies a diathesis stress

Question 7

Effectiveness of antidepressants

Answer 7

Work on serotonin regulation
Reduces OCD
Confirms role of serotonin

Question 8

Reductionist

Answer 8

Breaks down complex behaviour to smaller
reduces OCD to biological
could be SLT