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)
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)
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.
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