Evaluation Of Biological Explanation To OCD Flashcards
How is there good supporting evidence?
Evidence from a variety of sources especially twin studies
What did Nest act et al review?(twin studies)
Previous twin studies
What did Nest act et al find?
68% of identical twins shared OCD as opposed to 31% of non identical twins
Why have psychologists been less successful at pinning down genes related to OCD?
It appears that several genes are involved and that each genetic variation only increases the risk of OCD by a fraction - consequence = genetic explanation is unlikely to be ever useful
What did Chroma et al find?(environmental factors)
over half of OCD patients had a traumatic event in their past - cant entirely be a genetic origin
What do some anti depressants work purely on?(supporting evidence)
The serotonin system, increasing levels of the neurotransmitter
What have studies of decision making systems shown?
That these systems are the same systems that function abnormally in OCD
What has research identified about other brain systems?(cavedini et al 2002)
They may be involved sometimes but no system has been found that always plays a role - cant really understand the neural mechanisms involved
What is there evidence to suggest about various neurotransmitters?
They do not function normally in all patients with OCD
How might serotonin OCD be linked with depression?
Co - morbidity - could be that the serotonin system is disrupted therefore causing depression
Why are twin studies flawed as genetic evidence?
They make the assumption that identical twins are only more similar than non identical twins in terms of genetics but overlook the fact non identical twins live in the same environment
What suggests that some drugs are effective in reducing OCD symptoms?
Serotonin system is involved in OCD
