Lesson 12: The biological approach to explaining OCD (GENETIC EXPLANATIONS) Flashcards
1
Q
What could be the main cause of OCD?
A
Genes
2
Q
What do psychologists use to investigate genetics?
A
Family or twin studies
3
Q
What has OCD been classed as?
A
Polygenic
4
Q
What is the meaning of the word ‘polygenic’?
A
One single gene is not responsible for the disorder
5
Q
Which gene causes OCD?
A
COMT gene
6
Q
What are candidate genes?
A
The many genes that are responsible for causing OCD
7
Q
What are high levels of dopamine responsible for?
A
Drive, motivation and possibly aggression
8
Q
The COMT gene…
A
…has been found to be more common in OCD patients than people who don’t have the illness
9
Q
What does the SERT gene do?
A
It affects the transportation of serotonin -> Which results in low levels of serotonin (resulting in low mood and depressive symptoms)
