Explanations of OCD Flashcards
Genetic explanations of OCD.
Candidate genes
OCD is polygenic
Different types of OCD
What are candidate genes?
Researchers have identified genes, which create vulnerability to OCD.
Some of these genes are involved in regulating the development of serotonin.
OCD is polygenic
This means OCD is not caused by one single genes but a combination of genetic variations that together increase vulnerability.
Taylor found evidence of over 230 different genes involved in OCD.
Different types of OCD.
One group of genes may cause OCD in one person but a different group of genes may cause the disorder in another person.
Strengths of genetic explanations of OCD.
Nestadt reviewed evidence that 68% of identical twins both have OCD compared to 31% of non-identical twins.
Marini found a person with a family member diagnosed with OCD is around 4 times as likely to develop OCD.
These are significant links to show that genetics play an important role in the development of OCD.
Limitations of genetic explanations of OCD.
It ignores environmental factors, such as how twins share the same environment, which could trigger OCD.
Cromer- found that over half of the OCD clients had experienced a traumatic event in their past. OCD was also more sever in those with one or more traumas.
Neural explanations of OCD.
The genes associated with OCD are likely to effect the levels to key neurotransmitters as we as structures of the brain.
One explanations is the role of the neurotransmitter serotonin which regulates mood.
If a person has a low level of serotonin then a person may experience low moods.
Decision Making systems- Some cases of OCD can be linked to impaired decision making. This may be associated with abnormal functioning of the lateral of the frontal lobes of the brain. These are responsible for thinking and making decisions.
Strengths of neural explanations of OCD.
Antidepressants such as SSRIs which re used to control levels of serotonin, are seen to be effective in reducing OCD symptoms.
Limitations of neural explanations of OCD.
Environmental triggers can play a large role in triggering OCD. One study found over half the participants had suffered a traumatic event, and this led to their OCD.
Not all OCD sufferers respons positively to antidepressants, which would show that it is not the neural network causing OCD in those patients.
