biological explanations ocd - ao3

Question 1

Nesdat et al

Answer 1

• Nestadt et al (2010) reviewed twin studies and found that 68% of MZ twins shared OCD as opposed to 31% of DZ twins
• strongly suggests a genetic influence on OCD
• familiy studies = family member with ocd is 4x more likley to develop ocd than without

Question 2

Environmental risk factors are also involved

Answer 2

Cromer et al (2007) found that over ½ the OCD patients in their sample had traumatic event in their past
- ocd was more severe in people who had more than one traumatic experience
- no entirely genetic
- may be more useful to focus on environmental factors
- This supports the diathesis-stress model

Question 3

issues of causation - neural

Answer 3

• There is evidence to suggest that certain neural systems so not function moremally in ocd paitents such as orbitofrontal cortex, but there is research to suggest other parts of the brain are also associated
• Not consistent

Question 4

The serotonin-OCD link may be comorbid with depression

Answer 4

• serotonin may not be unique to just ocd
• many people with ocd also have depression = co morbidity
• depression has an effect on serotonin
• hard to establish the relationsip

Question 5

antidepressants - evidence