Genetic Explanation for OCD^

Question 1

Candidate Gene

Answer 1

Any gene you can inherit that makes you more likely to have a certain trait or condition
SERT and COMT
- examples of genes that can be inherited that control the regulation of serotonin/ dopamine which are neurotransmitters

Question 2

SERT

Answer 2

Controls the transmission of serotonin (mood regulator)
Low serotonin in OCD
- So, they have anxiety, depression = comorbid as they can have more than one mental condition

Question 3

COMT

Answer 3

Controls the transmission of dopamine (motivation)
High levels in OCD
- More motivated to act on repetitive compulsions

Question 4

Diathesis Stress Model

Answer 4

Diathesis - genetic vulnerability which makes it more likely to develop the disorder
Stress - envi trigger to develop it

Question 5

Lewis’ Study

Answer 5

observed OCD patients
- 37% parents with OCD
- 21% siblings
OCD can be genetic
- genetic vulnerability

Question 6

OCD is Polygenic

Answer 6

involes more than one gene = more vulnerable to developing OCD
Taylor
- up to 230 genes

Question 7

Types of OCD

Answer 7

Aetiology
- why a disorder develops
Heterogeneous
- disorders can take different forms

Question 8

Research Support

Answer 8

Marini & Stebnicki
Someone with OCD family is 4 times more likely to develop it
Suggests that some ind are vulnerable to OCD because of genetic makeup
High internal validity

Question 9

Environmental Risk Factors

Answer 9

Cromer et al
- over half of their sample had trauma
- more severity = more trauma
OCD does not have only a genetic origin
- genetic vulnerabilty only provides a partial explanation

Question 10

Animal Studies

Answer 10

Provide evidence
Ahmari
- genes associated with repetitive beh in mice
mice and humans share most genes
- could be generalised
explanation of candidate genes is valid

Question 11

VS Animal Studies

Answer 11

not generalisable
humans and bananas also share genes but still different
- 60-70%
mind and beh and emotions differ