Neural explanation for OCD Flashcards
What does the neural explanation focus on?
Neurotransmitters and brain structures
What role does serotonin play in OCD?
Serotonin regulates mood and lower levels of serotonin are associated with mood disorders
What support is there for the role of serotonin?
When anti-depressants are examined, drugs that increase the level of serotonin are effective in treating patients with OCD
Which element of OCD is dopamine associated with?
Higher levels of adrenaline is associated with compulsions
What can serotonin prevent? Because of this, what does low levels of serotonin lead to?
Repetitive behaviours
They don’t inhibit the repetitive behaviours - linked to compulsions
How is the basal ganglia linked to OCD?
It is thought that communication between this structure and others may be disrupted in those with OCD
How can issues with the basal ganglia be treated?
By cutting the prefrontal cortex which reduces symptoms
What does the parahippocampal gyrus do?
Regulation of unpleasant emotions
How is the parahippocampal gyrus linked to OCD?
Abnormal activity causes unpleasant emotions
