Biological Explanation For OCD

Question 1

What is the Genetic explanation for OCD?

Answer 1

OCD is more likely to be inherited if a certain gene is inherited from parents

Question 2

What does polygenic mean?

Answer 2

Multiple genes are involved

Question 3

Which three methods of gaining information are used?

Answer 3

Family Studies, Twin Studies & Research Methods

Question 4

What is the COMT gene associated with? And how does it affect OCD?

Answer 4

• The production of an enzyme that regulates dopamine & helps reduce its action
• Depending on the variation, when dopamine is not controlled it would lead to OCD or Schizophrenia
• Mutated in individuals with OCD

Question 5

What is the SERT gene associated with? and how does it affect OCD?

Answer 5

• Affects the transport of serotonin(which regulates mood)
• The mutations can cause increase in transporter proteins at a neurones membrane
• Low levels of serotonin are linked with OCD

Question 6

What is the diathesis-stress model?

Answer 6

People have genetic predisposition(likelihood to develop a condition) but something must trigger it