Neural explanations of OCD Flashcards

1
Q

How does abnormal levels of neurotransmitter act as an explanation of OCD?

A

Dopamine levels are thought to be abnormally high in people with OCD
Lower levels of serotonin are found in people with OCD as well ( based on the conclusion that antidepressant drugs that increase serotonin reduce OCD symptoms)

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2
Q

How do abnormal brain circuits link to OCD?

A
  • Serotonin and dopamine are linked to these regions of the frontal lobes
  • Comer in 1998 reports that serotonin plays a key role in the operation of the OFC
  • it appears that abnormal levels of serotonin plays a key role in the operation in the OFC and the caudate nuclei it may cause these areas to malfunction
  • Dopamine is also linked to this system as it is the main neurotransmitter of the basal ganglia.
  • high levels of dopamine lead to over activity of this region (Sukel 2007)
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3
Q

What did Comer in 1998 find out?

A

that serotonin plays a key role in the operation of the OFC and the caudate nuclei
this means that abnormal levels of serotonin may cause these areas to malfunction.

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4
Q

Discuss abnormal brain circuits

A
  • areas in the frontal lobe are thought to be abnormal in people with OCD
  • the caudate nucleus (located in the basal ganglia) normally suppresses signals from the orbitiofrontal cortex
  • in turn the OFC sends signals to the thalamus about things that are worrying such as a potential germ hazard
  • when the caudate nucleus is damaged, it fails to suppress minor worry signals and the thalamus is alerted
  • this in turn sends signals back to the OFC acting as a worry circuit
  • this is supported by brain scans (PET) which show high levels of activity in the OFC
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