Neural Explanations For OCD Flashcards
What is the role of the worry circuit in relation to OCD?
The worry circuit is overactive and filters out threats, linking to OCD
The worry circuit involves the orbital frontal cortex, cingulate cortex, and caudate nucleus.
Which brain regions are involved in the detection and processing of threats?
- Orbital Frontal Cortex (OFC)
- Cingulate Cortex
- Caudate Nucleus
These areas work together to detect threats and filter thoughts/actions.
What is the function of the caudate nucleus in the worry circuit?
Filters thoughts/actions and stops worry
It acts as a gatekeeper for the worry circuit.
True or False: Higher brain activity is observed in patients with OCD during brain scans.
True
Brain scans show increased activity in specific brain areas related to OCD.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is responsible for decision-making in the brain.
[Prefrontal cortex]
The prefrontal cortex also acts as a filter in the worry circuit.
What did Menzies et al. find regarding the brain structure in OCD patients?
Lower grey matter in the orbital frontal cortex
Brain scans indicated abnormalities in brain structure associated with OCD.
What is the ethical concern surrounding gene therapy for OCD?
It involves socially sensitive research and potential risks
Gene therapy may lead to issues like eugenics and societal rejection.
What is a limitation of biological explanations for OCD?
Fails to explain why some chemical imbalances are found in OCD and depression, which are separate disorders
This indicates a complexity in understanding OCD beyond biological factors.
