Evaluation: The biological approach to explaining OCD

Question 1

State the 1st evaluation point of the biological approach to explaining OCD

Answer 1

Nestasdt et al
- People with a 1st degree relative of OCD is 5x more likely to develop OCD
Twin studies:
- Provide evidence with concordance rates among MZ twins as high as 87%
- Those among DZ = 47%

Question 2

State the 2nd evaluation point of the biological approach to explaining OCD

Answer 2

Ignores environmental factors

• It’s reductionist
• Ignores all the factors that can affect cause of OCD
• Only focuses on biological factors
• Indicates that OCD is not entirely genetic origin

Question 3

State the 3rd evaluation point of the biological approach to explaining OCD

Answer 3

Menzies et al:
- Uses MRI - produce brain activity of:
> OCD patients
> Immediate family members without OCD
> Group of unhealthy unrelated people
OCD patients & close relatives had reduced grey matter

Therefore, supports view that anatomical difference are inherited & lead to OCD in some individuals