Biological explanations of OCD

Question 1

What does OCD stand for?

Answer 1

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Question 2

Outline specification for the biological explanation of OCD

Answer 2

Outline and evaluate the biological approach to explaining and treating OCD including:

• Genetic explanations
• Neural explanations : brain structure, neurotransmitters
• Drug therapy

Question 3

Summary of the biological approach assumptions of genetic and neural explanations

Answer 3

Genetic explanation - OCD is inherited as individuals receive specific genes which influence the onset of OCD

Neural explanations - abnormal levels of neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin and dopamine) and certain regions of the brain are implicated in OCD